The Titans may be intent on acquiring a more experienced kicker, and he may be named Stephen. Shortly after their Stephen Gostkowski workout, the Titans took a look at Stephen Hauschka, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
Gostkowski certainly has the longer track record of success, being named to the 2010s’ All-Decade team and being the Patriots’ all-time scoring leader. But Hauschka is a 12-year veteran who kicked for the Seahawks during both of their most recent Super Bowl seasons.
The Bills released Hauschka last week, giving their kicker job to rookie Tyler Bass. The Titans experienced significant kicking issues last season, going through five players at the position. Only three of those five — Ryan Succop, Cairo Santos and Cody Parkey — attempted field goals; they combined to make just 8 of 18 attempts.
Greg Joseph, acquired late last season, resides as the Titans’ top in-house incumbent. He served as Tennessee’s kicker down the stretch and in the playoffs. A third-year vet, Joseph has kicked in 16 career games. Hauschka has kicked in 16 games in each of the past eight seasons. He made at least 83% of his field goals in each of his six Seattle seasons but came in under 80% in 2018 and ’19 in Buffalo.
I think either Stephen would be a good signing, although if experience is the primary consideration for the Titans, they really should give Adam Vinatieri a workout.
If I’m Vinatieri, I’m going to relax at home for now. I’ve made millions, won, and accomplished pretty much everything a kicker can in the NFL. Teams are going to need kickers throughout the season, so I’d rather wait and join a contender for the stretch run if that opportunity presents itself.