Several news sources say that Harrison Butker and the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a new deal that will make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL.
That deal for Butker had one year left. The new deal is said to be worth $25.6 million over four years, with $17.75 million assured. He has now signed with the Chiefs until 2028.
Butker was picked by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the draft. Since 2017, he has kicked for Kansas City. In the regular season, he has made 89.1% of the 197 field goals he has tried. He has been even better in the playoffs, making 91.4% of his kicks, which has helped the Chiefs win three Super Bowls since 2019.
Butker’s year has been full of events.
He made three field goals in February, which helped Kansas City beat the Patriots 25–22 in the Super Bowl.
In May, he gave the commencement speech at Benedictine College, a Catholic liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas. Many people thought the things he said were racist, sexist, and offensive to LGBTQ people.
Butker said that he was only talking about his Catholic faith because he has decided to do so more often. “It’s a decision I’ve consciously made and one I do not regret at all,” he stated.
Some of Butker’s peers and the NFL both spoke out against what he said.
People spoke with Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer. Beane said, “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his capacity.” “The NFL as a whole does not agree with his views.” The NFL is committed to being welcoming, which makes the game stronger.
Now, Butker, who is 29 years old, is going into his eighth NFL season as the highest-paid player at his position.
The Chiefs’ first game of the season will be on NBC on September 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.