Ryan Fitzgerald

Career StatsD+

Year	Team	GP	FG%
Career		17	82.8%
2025		17	82.8%

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Panthers just executed one of the shrewdest roster moves of the offseason, locking up Ryan Fitzgerald to a three-year, $3M deal that earns an exceptional A+ CVI rating. At just $1M annually for a kicker who profiles as a rotational-level contributor, Carolina secured incredible value in a market where even middling specialists routinely command $2-3M per year. The minimal $100K guarantee shows smart risk management — the Panthers can move on without major cap consequences if Fitzgerald struggles, but they've positioned themselves beautifully if he develops into their long-term answer. This contract structure gives Carolina maximum flexibility while betting on upside at minimal cost, essentially getting a legitimate NFL kicker for backup money. In an era where teams overpay for kicking stability, the Panthers found their guy at a fraction of market rate, making this one of the best value signings across all positions this cycle.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

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

Performance Analysis

Ryan Fitzgerald enters the NFL as an undrafted rookie kicker battling for roster security with the Carolina Panthers. His early returns earn a D+ overall grade, placing him well below the threshold expected even for developmental specialists. For a rookie kicker, the learning curve is real, but these numbers offer limited encouragement. Fitzgerald's 82.8% field goal accuracy sits noticeably below the NFL average of 85.0% and far from the elite threshold of 93.0%, a benchmark set by kickers like Justin Tucker and Evan McPherson. That gap matters — every missed field goal in a rebuilding program compounds roster pressure. There are no standout advanced metrics to offset the accuracy concerns at this stage. His 2025 season trend grades out at a D, suggesting he has not found consistent footing as the year has progressed. Carolina will need to evaluate whether improvement is realistic or whether a more reliable option is necessary heading into 2026. Fitzgerald's ceiling remains unclear, but closing the gap to league-average accuracy would be the first meaningful developmental milestone worth monitoring.

How Ryan Compares at the Position

Ryan Fitzgerald ranks 24th of 39 graded pks by performance. That slots Ryan between Andy Borregales (D+) just ahead and Zane Gonzalez (D) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Ryan Fitzgerald has emerged as one of the more compelling feel-good stories of the Panthers' recent season, parlaying an undrafted rookie status into a reputation as one of Carolina's most clutch performers. His resume of game-winning field goals — including a dramatic overtime boot against Atlanta — has generated genuine excitement among the Panthers fanbase and earned him favorable coverage across NFL media outlets. The narrative of an unheralded kicker repeatedly delivering in high-pressure moments is exactly the type of story that resonates with both casual fans and hardcore analysts heading into a new season. While he has yet to accumulate the accolades or contract value that would cement him as an established NFL commodity, his momentum and positive press give him a perception profile well above what his experience level would typically suggest. Heading into the 2026 season, Fitzgerald is viewed as a rising name to watch at the kicker position, with media sentiment firmly in his corner and fan goodwill at a notable high.