The journeyman kicker who survived nine NFL teams to set a franchise record
In short: In the high-stakes world of professional football, specialists often live on the edge of roster cuts. Chase McLaughlin has mastered this precarious existence, navigating nine different organizations since 2019 to become a cornerstone for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Chase McLaughlin's journey through the NFL is a masterclass in professional resilience. After going undrafted in 2019, he began a nomadic career that saw him move through nine different organizations. His early years were marked by rapid transitions, including stints with the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers. In 2019 alone, he was navigating the complexities of being waived, signed to practice squads, and claimed off waivers to fill gaps left by injuries to other players.
The precision required for professional placekicking is evident in McLaughlin's collegiate record at Illinois. As a walk-on, he eventually earned the 2019 Bakken–Andersen Kicker of the Year award and became a First-team All-Big Ten Conference selection. His ability to strike from distance was established early, becoming the first Illinois kicker to score three consecutive field goals of 50-plus yards during a 2018 game against USF.
McLaughlin's career reached a significant milestone with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After signing a three-year, $12.3 million contract extension in March 2024, he continued to push his limits. On September 28, 2025, during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he set a Buccaneers franchise record with a 65-yard field goal. This strike was not only the longest field goal made in an outdoor stadium but also occurred at the end of the first half, cementing his place in the team's history books.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Chase McLaughlin
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