Steelers Have A Price On A Future Chris Boswell Contract And It Could Be A Bargain

The Pittsburgh Steelers have many big decisions to make regarding vital free agents in 2027. The Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan nailed the 2023 draft, and these key players are set to be free agents. Pittsburgh would like to retain these young players, like their shutdown cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who is set to make a lot of money in 2027, (whether that's from the Steelers or not). Thankfully, the salary cap continues to increase year after year, but with that, players will demand bigger contracts with more guaranteed money. The Steelers have another important player who needs a new contract in 2027 too. 

Kicker Chris Boswell has an expiring contract in 2027 and is set to make a big contract for kicker standards. The Steelers' 11-year kicker has been a fan favorite during his time in the Black and Gold. Boswell has been considered one of the league's premier at the position, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2017 and 2024, also proving his elite longevity. He is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, being sixth all-time as of now with a 87.68% success rate. Boswell earned AP All-Pro First Team honors in 2024, as well. The resume speaks for itself with Boswell, and the Steelers would be wise to bring him back, as he has shown no signs of stopping.

Boswell had another remarkable season in 2025 and often bailed the Steelers' offense out with long, 50+ yard field goals. Boswell has been elite in the clutch since the beginning of his career in Pittsburgh and has, on multiple occasions, hit six field goals in a single game. Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo wrote about Boswell's contract situation in his weekly chat. 

"I don't think Boswell's deal will be hard to negotiate," Fittipaldo wrote. "He'll get top money for kickers because he's proven to be one of the best in the NFL. Plus, it won't be expensive. I think he'll come in around $7 million a season."

The Steelers have the opportunity to maintain their kicker if they decide to negotiate this offseason. They like to work on those contracts post-draft, typically, but working on Boswell now could prove to be a smarter bet. Ka'imi Fairbairn just received the highest-paid contract for a kicker from the Houston Texans. The deal will give Fairbairn $6.5 million per season. Boswell is considered one of the best at the position, and if he indeed did only get $7 million per year, it could be a true bargain for Pittsburgh.

Boswell, who just turned 35, won't be signed to anything extremely long-term, but he is still kicking just as well as he has his whole career. It would be important for the Steelers to make sure they have a kicker for next year so they can focus on the extensions of other important players. Boswell will provide the stability that the Steelers need at the position. They can't afford to have an inaccurate kicker, especially after the offensive woes from last season. 

The Steelers Need To Lock Up Their 2023 Draft Picks

While Boswell is set to be paid next year, there's a possibility that he could get an extension this offseason. Certainly, if the Steelers want to dictate him being paid just a little more than the current highest-paid kicker. Both this offseason and next offseason presents big decisions in terms of personnel. Khan and Steelers brass will have to decide which free agents from the '23 draft class they will prioritize. Players like Porter, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton, and Darnell Washington are set to become free agents. 

All of these players play important roles on the team and will need to be paid. The Steelers need to address who they want to keep and leave behind soon, as they could address them with a pick in this year's draft. This offseason and next will prove to be important in determining which direction Pittsburgh goes with its personnel groups.

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