Steelers Insider Offers Stunning Take On Chris Boswell's Future With The Team For 2023

Chris Boswell has been the Pittsburgh Steelers' kicker for the past eight seasons, and has been one of the best in the entire NFL over this span. Originally an undrafted free agent out of Rice in 2014, Boswell had a stint with the Houston Texans before signing with the Steelers in October of 2015. Since then, he has made over 200 field goals for the Steelers and solidified himself as one of the best kickers in the history of the franchise. He currently ranks third in Steelers' history with 855 career points. 

One would assume that his job is safe heading into this upcoming season due to the four-year, $20 million contract extension he signed in 2022. However, according to Bob Labriola, during his most recent installment of "Asked and Answered" on the Steelers' official website, the team may face a difficult decision between Boswell and undrafted free agent (UDFA), B.T. Potter at kicker. 

"For the record, B.T. Potter is an undrafted rookie placekicker from Clemson the Steelers added within 24 hours after the end of the draft. Potter is also one of the players Coach Mike Tomlin was referring to when he talked about the number of individuals in this year's draft pool who took advantage of the opportunity stemming from COVID to play an extra year of college football," said Labriola in regard to the Steelers' decision to add Potter as an UDFA.  

Potter was one of the best kickers in college football during his time at Clemson. Over the course of his five collegiate seasons, he made 99.6% of his extra points and 75.3% of his field goals. Furthermore, 76.4% of his career kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. He struggled at times with field goals between 30-49 yards, with a career percentage of approximately 70% at Clemson. However, there is no denying that he possesses the necessary leg strength to be an NFL kicker, as he was 9-13 on field goals 50 yards plus. 

Should The Steelers Consider Moving On From Boswell?

Boswell had his second-worst statistical season in 2022, only making 71.4% of his kicks. While injuries certainly played at least some part in this decline in production, Labriola suggests the time may be now to consider moving on. It is worth noting that the question Labriola is answering is in regard to Potter being a "good example of someone who has virtually no chance of making the team." 

"And finally, I see Chris Boswell as being more vulnerable than at any time to this point in his Steelers career. He's 32 years old, and over the last three seasons, he has missed 8 games because of injury. In 2022, Boswell missed 8 field goal attempts for a percentage of 71.4, which was the second lowest of his career and his lowest since 2018. I'm not predicting Boswell is going to continue to backslide, either from a health or performance standpoint, but I disagree with your assessment of the situation as a waste of time because the outcome is already assured," answered Labriola regarding the Steelers' kicking situation in 2023. 

Boswell's "vulnerability" is certainly well described by Labriola, as his level of play was far from stellar in 2022. Furthermore, missing eight games over the course of the past three seasons is something to keep in mind. While Boswell has provided security to the kicking position over the past eight seasons, the Steelers may have a viable option in Potter to take over the role. Not only would Potter be more of a long-term solution at the position, but he would come at a much cheaper price than Boswell. 

With that being said, one would be foolish to count out Boswell being the team's kicker next season, as he has proved time and time again his ability to bounce back. For instance, in the 2019 season in which he connected on 93.5% of his kicks after only making 65% of them during the 2018 season. The team had confidence in him then and will undoubtedly have confidence in him now. 

Competition in training camp is never a bad problem to have, even at kicker. Potter may just be exactly what Boswell needs to regain his form from previous seasons. Regardless, the Steelers have two solid options at the position heading into this upcoming season. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

What are your thoughts on Labriola's comments regarding the Steelers' kicking job? Do you view Potter as a legitimate candidate to replace Boswell? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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