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With training camp fast approaching, we thought it would be a good time to showcase some of the UDFA’s that have a chance to make this roster.
One of the biggest question marks on this Tennessee Titans roster right now happens to be at the kicker position. Where have I heard that before? Ah yes, every season for the last three years. Vetetan Super Bowl winning kicker Stephen Gostkowski remains a free agent. The 37-year-old kicker hasn’t officially retired. His one-year contract with the Titans expired and he’s yet to decide on his future. I wouldn’t rule out a return to the Titans at this point.
Gostkowski hit 18-of-26 field goals in 2020. It represents a poor overall mark of just 69.2%, but context is everything. Gostkowski started poorly, but finished strong. Perhaps it was a result of him not getting many reps in training camp last season. He was a late addition to the team.
While the Gostkowski situation remains in limbo, the position battle at kicker remains open and unpredictable. The Titans didn’t draft or sign a kicker in free agency, but they brought in an interesting undrafted free agent in former Ohio State kicker Blake Haubeil.
As of now, Haubeil will be competing with second-year UDFA Tucker McCann, who has never kicked in an NFL game. McCann was basically last year’s version of Haubeil. He signed with the Titans as a UDFA following the 2020 draft and spent most of the season on the practice squad before landing on injured reserve in November. The team signed him to a futures contract back in January.
Haubeil comes in with a ton of college experience under his belt. He went a perfect 146 for 146 on extra point attempts between 2018 and 2020. When it comes to field goals, it’s slightly less impressive. Haubeil wrapped up his collegiate career by making kicks at an 80% rate (28 for 35 overall). Haubeil did hit an excellent 55-yard field goal against Northwestern, but it’s worth noting that it was the only attempt of his career from 50-plus yards.
In conclusion, Haubeil (and the kicker position in general) is definitely worth monitoring during training camp. If the Titans fail or refuse to sign a veteran, this battle at kicker will be one of the most intriguing storylines over the next few weeks. The Titans are on the hunt for some reliability at kicker. Haubeil will get a great chance to prove himself over the next two months.