Graham Gano

Career StatsC-

Year	Team	GP	FG%
Career		123	83.8%
2025		5	90.0%
2024		10	81.8%
2023		8	64.7%
2022		17	90.6%
2021

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Giants handed Graham Gano a C CVI with this three-year, $16.5M extension ($5.5M AAV), which represents a slight overpay for a kicker entering his mid-30s with rotational player production. While Gano has been reliable during his Giants tenure, paying premium money ($11.3M guaranteed) for a position player at this performance tier creates questionable salary cap allocation, especially when younger, cheaper options typically emerge each offseason. The 35-year-old kicker's age works against the deal's backend value, as placekickers can experience rapid decline once they hit the wrong side of 35, making that guaranteed money a potential albatross. The contract structure heavily front-loads risk with nearly 70% guaranteed, giving the Giants limited flexibility if Gano's accuracy or leg strength deteriorates over the next two seasons. This feels like the kind of deal where familiarity bred comfort rather than strict value assessment—Gano provides stability, but the Giants likely could have achieved similar production at a significantly lower cost point in a kicker market that consistently offers competent veterans and promising rookies.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Graham's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Graham Gano, a 16-year veteran and reliable NFL kicker, enters 2025 as the Giants' primary placekicker at age 39. The veteran has logged 123 career games across his tenure, establishing himself as a consistent contributor rather than an elite performer. His current C- grade reflects a modest decline from previous seasons, positioning him squarely in the middle tier of NFL kickers. Gano's 81.8% field goal conversion rate this season trails the NFL average of 84.38%, highlighting accuracy concerns that have emerged during his twilight years. While his career body of work demonstrates superior consistency than his current snapshot suggests, the downward trajectory from a C grade in 2024 to a D in 2023 signals age-related decline. Long-distance reliability and pressure situations remain questions worth monitoring, particularly as competition for the role intensifies. Despite the recent dip, Gano's veteran presence and experience provide value beyond statistics alone. His ability to handle high-leverage moments has historically outpaced pure percentage comparisons. Looking ahead, the Giants face a critical decision: whether to invest in Gano's continuity or seek younger competition. At 39, his window is closing, and if accuracy doesn't rebound toward the 85%+ range next season, organizational transition becomes inevitable. Watch for performance in clutch situations and long-range attempts as the true barometer of his viability moving forward.

How Graham Compares at the Position

Graham Gano ranks 22nd of 39 graded pks by performance. That slots Graham between Tyler Loop (C) just ahead and Evan Mcpherson (C-) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Giants cut an injury-plagued kicker mid-season, acknowledging roster mismanagement. Multiple headlines confirm Gano's second 2025 IR stint forced their hand. Injury history—not performance—drove this release, exposing poor roster planning. Fans debate whether Giants should've addressed kicker depth earlier this offseason. Giants must quickly identify reliable replacement kicker before playoff push intensifies.