The Washington Commanders, not for the first time, have a kicking problem.
Matt Gay was supposed to be the answer. The veteran was acquired this offseason after being released by the Indianapolis Colts. Washington also gave him the most guaranteed kicker money on a one-year deal in NFL history to seal the transaction with other teams lurking.
That doesn't look like a good investment right now. Gay has been nothing short of erratic to start the campaign. His misses from beyond 50 yards over the opening two weeks followed his career trend. However, his wayward effort from 37 yards early in Washington's game against the Las Vegas Raiders represented a much graver issue.
Commanders have a big decision to make after latest Matt Gay mishap
It came close, but it didn't go through the upright.
The life of an NFL kicker is often precarious. Gay's guaranteed money might give him a longer leash than most, but patience among the fan base is already wearing thin. This bears more significance when one considers the presence of Younghoe Koo on the proverbial scrap heap.
The Atlanta Falcons released Koo after a couple of costly errors to start the campaign. His previous production, aside from that, is largely encouraging. Second-year general manager Adam Peters needs to react quickly if he thinks another change is required.
Washington cannot seem to get anything right at the kicking position. It's been a constant stream of failed signings who start well before tailing off. Gay's in danger of adding his name to the list, and the Commanders have no room for passengers or a kicker suffering from confidence issues.
They have greater expectations on their shoulders this season. The margins are much finer, so the performance levels from the kicking position are vital to the team's success. Gay isn't meeting his targets right now. If the same trend continues, the Commanders will have no option other than to find alternatives.
Koo isn't exactly a slam dunk acquisition, either. He'll be eager to embrace a fresh challenge, wherever it arrives. If that's in Washington, there are far worse spots he could end up.
Although it would cost $3.98 million to cut Gay, it's a small price to pay for improvements. But after delivering on his second attempt, it could go either way.