Evan McPherson prepares for another stellar season in Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for the 2024 season and have put in another successful offseason for the roster.

The Bengals have extended Joe Burrow and will continue working to get other deals done throughout the season as well.

Cincinnati has franchise-tagged Tee Higgins but is in the window to now extend Ja’Marr Chase.

Another guy set for a contract extension is placekicker Evan McPherson.

Evan McPherson

• Height: 5-foot-11
• Weight: 185 pounds
• Age: 25
• College: Florida
• Hometown: Fort Payne, Alabama
• Experience: 4 years

Cap Status

In 2024, McPherson will make a base salary of $1,055,000, with a prorated signing bonus of $85,929, for a total cap hit of $1,140,929.

Background

Evan McPherson was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Alabama, and attended Fort Wayne High School.

McPherson spent his three college seasons at the University of Florida. He played in 37 career games and finished as SEC’s all-time leader in field goal percentage (85.0). McPherson went 51-60 on career field goals and 149-150 on point after attempts.

The Cincinnati Bengals took a chance on McPherson, drafting the kicker in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

McPherson had the most decorated season as a Bengals rookie. McPherson had numerous game-winning field goals, including one to clinch the AFC North, advance to the AFC Championship, and advance to the Super Bowl.

In just three seasons, McPherson already ranks third all-time in Cincinnati’s field goal percentage ranking (83.9) and has the most 50-plus yard field goals in franchise history with 21. One of the most impressive stats for McPherson is that he has gone 19-for-19 in postseason play.

Outlook for 2024

McPherson’s numbers have been incredibly consistent throughout his three seasons in Cincinnati.

In 2023, McPherson went 26-31 and kept his field goal percentage right around his career average at 83.9.

I do see the Bengals looking for the end zone more than ever this season and even showing more aggression on 4th downs. With that said, the overall numbers for McPherson could be lower than the past few seasons, but he will continue to put the ball through the uprights anytime he steps on the field.

As for McPherson’s outlook beyond 2024, because he is entering a contract year, look for the Bengals to work out an extension with him before the regular season kicks off. If no deal comes, he’ll be a prime candidate for the franchise tag in 2025.