In a surprising move, the Indianapolis Colts have released veteran kicker Matt Gay just two years into a four-year contract. The team made the announcement on Thursday, ending Gay’s tenure in Indy earlier than expected.
Signed in 2023, Gay’s deal was historic at the time—worth $22.5 million, making it the richest free-agent contract ever awarded to a kicker. The decision to part ways suggests that the Colts were no longer confident in his long-term value.
Injury and Inconsistency Plagued Gay’s Performance During Two Seasons in Indianapolis
Although Gay was highly effective with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, converting 93.3% of his field goals, he failed to maintain that level of performance in Indianapolis. Over two seasons with the Colts, his accuracy dipped to 82.1%, a significant drop that likely played a role in the team’s decision.
One major concern was his inconsistency from long range. In 2024, he was flawless from under 50 yards but struggled mightily beyond that, converting just 3 of 9 attempts.
Matt Gay (NFL)Gay’s long-distance struggles could partially be attributed to a groin injury he sustained before the 2024 season. This physical setback may have affected his leg strength and mechanics, particularly on kicks over 50 yards.
Over his time with the Colts, Gay hit only 50% of his kicks from that distance, well below his previous career average of nearly 74%. For a player once considered among the league’s elite, this regression was difficult for the Colts to overlook.
Colts Look to Future After Letting Go of Former Pro Bowl Kicker
Before his stint with the Colts, Gay was among the most accurate kickers in the league. While playing for the Rams in 2021 and 2022, he made 93.8% of his field goals and earned a Pro Bowl nod during the team’s Super Bowl-winning 2021 season. His success in Los Angeles helped him land the record-setting contract in Indianapolis. However, he was never quite able to replicate that form in his new uniform.
With Gay gone, the Colts currently have only one kicker on the roster—Spencer Shrader. The 25-year-old journeyman had brief stints with three teams in 2024, including the Colts, Jets, and Chiefs.
While he remains the only option at the position for now, Indianapolis is expected to bring in competition, either through free agency or a late-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. The team’s decision signals a fresh start and a search for greater consistency in the kicking game.
