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The Bucs came to a resolution on one ongoing contract situation on Wednesday evening with defensive tackle Vita Vea agreeing on a new deal that goes through 2027. Contract discussions are probably the last thing the fanbase wants to hear about after what has transpired the past month between Vea and quarterback Baker Mayfield, but it is worth acknowledging kicker Chase McLaughlin’s situation.

McLaughlin is set to be a free agent after this season, and he has earned a pay raise with how well he has hit the ball between the uprights in Tampa Bay. Addressing it in a nonchalant manner on Wednesday morning, he discussed why his number is set to go up.

Chase McLaughlin Wants An Extension, But He Is Focused On His 2026 Season

Baker Mayfield is not the only Bucs player who proved himself on a one-year deal in 2023.

Chase McLaughlin won the team’s kicking competition entering that season and put together a year where he connected on 29-of-31 field goals (93.5%). He picked up where he left off in 2024 after getting a three-year, $12.3 million deal. McLaughlin was even more accurate, making 30-of-32 field goals (93.8%). While 2025 was more of a struggle with a few missed kicks early on, he finished the season by making 32 of 38 field goals (84.2%).

Bucs K Chase McLaughlin – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

All of this is to say that McLaughlin has emerged as one of the NFL’s best kickers, especially from 50 yards and beyond.

Should his impressive tenure in Tampa Bay continue in 2026, he will be well-compensated on a new multi-year contract. Like every player, the veteran kicker would be happy to put pen to paper on a new extension before the season even starts. After seeing several teams do just that with their kickers, McLaughlin knows his time to cash in is coming.

“It’s something anyone on the field would like to have done — getting a good extension early,” McLaughlin said. “We saw the Steelers, the Cowboys, and the Texans all get something done, which was really cool. I’m very happy for all three of those guys. They deserve it. It’s really cool to see the league moving in that direction.

“Everyone knows points are a premium in this league, and across the league we’re seeing that kickers are being viewed more as an asset than an afterthought. Those were great examples this offseason and great to see. I’m very happy for them.”

Dallas and Pittsburgh each gave Brandon Aubrey and Chris Boswell four-year, $28 million contracts, while Houston gave Ka’imi Fairbairn a two-year, $13 million deal. That puts McLaughlin in range to make around the same figure, but his only goal right now is on making field goals and letting the rest work itself out.

Bucs K Chase McLaughlin – Photo by: IMAGN Images

“At the end of the day, it’s a business,” McLaughlin said. “They can offer me if they want. If not, we move on, play the season and do as well as we can. My opinion or feelings about it don’t really matter. At the end of the day, I’m signed for a contract for this season. I’m going to do that, hopefully perform well, and see what happens after that.”

That is about as drama-free of a discussion about contract talks as one will come across, and the Bucs will have little trouble paying for McLaughlin’s services. He has come a long way from being a journeyman who bounced around and played for six teams before finding his footing in Tampa Bay. McLaughlin credited the advice of 2026 Hall of Fame inductee Adam Vinatieri for helping him understand the value in practicing longer kicks.

Hall of Fame K Adam Vinatieri – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

“I think we’ve seen a change across the league now — starting to trust guys, let them have it, let them have opportunities for it. It actually started back when I was with the Colts the first time, at the end of 2019. I was lucky to come in after Adam Vinatieri, and he was actually the one who gave the advice.

“He said, ‘Hey, look, start taking longer kicks in practice, because if they see it in practice, they’re going to trust it in the game.’ Ever since then, I’ve tried to apply it to my practices and Todd’s been great and giving me the chances to get the long ones.”

It has paid off for the Bucs on several occasions, and it will pay off for Chase McLaughlin (again) on a new contract before the 2027 season.