Ka'imi Fairbairn

Career StatsB-

Year	Team	GP	FG%
Career		92	87.6%
2025		15	91.7%
2024		17	85.7%
2023		12	96.4%
2022		17	93.5%
2021

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Ka'imi Fairbairn drew a B on the Contract Value Index — a calibrated read on Houston's cap allocation at kicker. At $6.5M AAV over two years, Fairbairn secured the most lucrative kicker contract in NFL history, a distinction that reflects the Texans' organizational confidence in his reliability rather than a departure from positional economics — kickers typically command far more modest deals, making this extension a notable premium bet on tenure and clutch performance. His 2025 season production (1 tackle across 15 games) aligns with standard special teams participation and doesn't reveal the on-field excellence that would fully justify the financial outlay, though his AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor and recent tie of an NFL record suggest reliability in high-leverage moments that the organization values enough to lock him in long-term. At 32 with nine seasons logged, Fairbairn is an established veteran at a stage where durability and institutional knowledge carry measurable weight — this deal reflects confidence in his remaining shelf life rather than upside, and the Texans' recent signings at wide receiver, linebacker, and offensive tackle signal a veteran-core championship construct where kicker consistency becomes a hidden asset in close games. The CVI grade of B acknowledges the premium relative to positional peers, offset by Fairbairn's genuine track record as a proven performer in a pass-heavy system where field position and clutch conversion matter. The two-year window mitigates long-term cap risk, allowing Houston flexibility if age or performance decline accelerates — this deal is a calculated bet on the present, not a long-term albatross.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

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

Performance Analysis

Ka'imi Fairbairn, a 10-year veteran and Houston's reliable placekicker, remains a consistent contributor in his 32nd year. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has established himself as a dependable weapon in the Texans' special teams unit, delivering stability through a decade of NFL competition. Currently grading at B–, Fairbairn slots comfortably in the league's upper-middle tier at his position. Fairbairn's 2025 season showcases his core strength: converting field goals at a 91.7% clip, notably above the NFL average of 84.38% and approaching elite territory. This accuracy demonstrates the technical consistency that has defined his tenure in Houston, even as he enters his early thirties. However, his trajectory reveals recent volatility—he declined from a solid B+ campaign in 2023 to a C– showing in 2024 before rebounding to this season's B– grade, suggesting some mechanical or confidence-related fluctuations warrant monitoring. The primary concern is sustainability. While his current field-goal percentage is impressive, maintaining that elite conversion rate becomes increasingly difficult with age and wear. At 32, Fairbairn must preserve his leg strength and mental edge, particularly under pressure situations late in games. His body of work remains strong enough to keep him among the league's viable starters, but the inconsistent seasons suggest the margin for error is narrowing. Moving forward, Fairbairn's value hinges on consistency. If he stabilizes around this 91%+ conversion rate while maintaining his accuracy on long-distance attempts, he remains a viable option for Houston. However, another regressive season could accelerate conversations about succession planning. Monitor his performance in high-leverage situations next season.

How Ka'imi Compares at the Position

Ka'imi Fairbairn ranks 3rd of 39 graded pks by performance. That slots Ka'imi between Nick Folk (B+) just ahead and Eddy Pineiro (B-) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Ka'imi Fairbairn has solidified his standing as one of the NFL's most reliable kickers heading into 2026, evidenced by Houston's decision to make him the league's highest-paid at his position with a two-year, $13 million extension. Recent accolades—including AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors and recognition as a top-21 kicker—reflect consistent excellence and clutch performance that has earned both organizational confidence and media validation. While Fairbairn lacks the All-Pro or Pro Bowl credentials of elite-tier specialists, his decade-long tenure with the Texans and recent contract commitment signal that front offices view him as a franchise cornerstone at the position. Fan and media perception has shifted decidedly positive, moving beyond the narrative of a journeyman kicker to that of a dependable, high-performing specialist worthy of premium compensation. Entering 2026, Fairbairn's reputation rests on sustained accuracy and clutch execution—metrics he has demonstrated repeatedly—positioning him as a secure, well-regarded contributor rather than a question mark.