### Commanders Make Bold Move: Sign Matt Gay to Historic Contract After Releasing Zane Gonzalez The Washington Commanders have made a significant change in their kicking game by signing veteran kicker Matt Gay to a one-year contract worth over $4.25 million, fully guaranteed. This deal marks the largest fully guaranteed sum for a kicker on a one-year contract in NFL history. Gay, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts earlier this month, replaces Zane Gonzalez, who has been released following a limited performance in the previous season. This move reflects the Commanders' ongoing efforts to strengthen their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. ### Breakdown of the Commanders' Kicking Change 1. **Signing of Matt Gay** - The Commanders signed Matt Gay to a one-year deal valued at over $4.25 million, fully guaranteed, which is a record for a kicker on a one-year contract [https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2025/04/29/Washington-Commanders-cut-Zane-Gonzalez-sign-Matt-Gay/8711745944757]. - Gay was previously with the Indianapolis Colts but was released earlier in April 2025 [https://www.si.com/nfl/commanders-sign-kicker-matt-gay-to-historic-one-year-contract]. 2. **Release of Zane Gonzalez** - Zane Gonzalez has been released by the Commanders after a season where he played only six games due to injury [https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/29/matt-gay-commanders]. - Gonzalez's performance in 2024 was limited, making the decision to release him a strategic move for the team [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/commanders-to-sign-k-matt-gay-release-k-zane-gonzalez]. 3. **Implications for the Team** - The Commanders did not draft a kicker in the recent NFL draft, indicating their confidence in Gay as a long-term solution [https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/washington-commanders-sign-kicker-matt-gay-on-1-year-deal-to-replace-zane-gonzalez-173749096.html]. - Gay's contract includes potential incentives that could increase his earnings to $5 million, showcasing the team's investment in his abilities [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/commanders-cut-kicker-sign-former-160445387.html]. ### Supporting Evidence of the Commanders' Kicking Strategy - **Contract Details**: - Matt Gay's contract is reported to be the highest fully guaranteed amount for a kicker on a one-year deal in NFL history, emphasizing the Commanders' commitment to improving their special teams [https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/commanders-sign-kicker-matt-gay-and-release-zane-gonzalez-ap-source-says]. - **Performance Metrics**: - Zane Gonzalez's limited participation in the previous season (only six games) due to injuries raised concerns about his reliability, prompting the Commanders to seek a more stable option [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/apr/29/washington-commanders-switch-kickers-sign-matt-gay-release-zane]. ### Conclusion: Commanders' Strategic Kicking Shift In summary, the Washington Commanders have made a decisive move by signing Matt Gay to a record-setting contract while releasing Zane Gonzalez. This change is aimed at enhancing the team's performance in the kicking game, reflecting a strategic approach to roster management as they head into the new season. 1. **Matt Gay's signing represents a significant investment in the kicking position**. 2. **Zane Gonzalez's release was a necessary step due to his limited availability and performance**. 3. **The Commanders' decision not to draft a kicker indicates confidence in Gay's abilities moving forward**. This strategic shift could potentially lead to improved outcomes for the Commanders in the upcoming NFL season [https://www.reuters.com/sports/reports-commanders-sign-k-matt-gay-release-zane-gonzalez-2025-04-29].