Wil Lutz

Career StatsC+

Year	Team	GP	FG%
Career		67	86.1%
2025		17	87.5%
2024		17	91.2%
2023		17	88.2%
2022		17	74.2%
2020

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Denver Broncos got a B- Contract Value Index out of the Wil Lutz signing because the guaranteed money matches the production tier. At $5.4M AAV over three years, Lutz is priced fairly for an established veteran kicker whose on-field output aligns with his contract expectations—neither a bargain nor an overpay in a position where the margin between reliability and liability is measured in inches. His 2025 season across 17 games reflects a mixed performance profile: a 98-consecutive extra-point streak and AFC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition after a win over the Chiefs demonstrate genuine value, yet high-profile misses including a 42-yard field goal wide right and a blocked kick have introduced real questions about consistency at a stage in his career where decline risk is material. At 31 and in his ninth season, Lutz occupies the classic veteran kicker archetype—serviceable when execution is clean, increasingly scrutinized when it isn't, with the margin for error shrinking as age compounds pressure. The recent media narrative settles into an uncomfortable middle ground: he is neither secure nor expendable, and his early-season performance in 2026 will likely determine whether Sean Payton views him as a roster fixture or liability. A three-year commitment at this price point is reasonable for a placeholder at the position, but it leaves little room for regression, making Lutz's 2026 campaign a de facto audition masked as job security.

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 Wil's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Wil Lutz, a 10-year veteran and reliable franchise kicker, anchors Denver's special teams as a steady, experienced presence. The 31-year-old has logged 67 career games and established himself as a dependable option in the league's upper-middle tier. His overall performance grades a C+, reflecting a season marked by consistency without distinction in a highly competitive position group. Lutz's 87.5% field goal conversion rate sits comfortably above the NFL average of 84.38%, showcasing accurate leg strength and clutch execution under pressure. This above-average accuracy represents his clearest skill set and remains his calling card throughout his tenure. However, his trajectory has declined noticeably, dropping from a solid B-minus campaign in 2024 to a C grade this season, signaling fatigue or adjustment challenges in his role. The downward trend warrants monitoring, though Lutz's extensive resume and proven pedigree suggest temporary fluctuation rather than permanent decline. His leg talent remains sufficient to retain the position, but Denver will likely evaluate younger competition or veteran alternatives this offseason if current performance doesn't stabilize. At 31, durability and consistency matter more than peak athleticism; maintaining his above-average field goal percentage is essential to remaining relevant in 2026 and beyond.

How Wil Compares at the Position

Wil Lutz ranks 11th of 39 graded pks by performance. That slots Wil between Chase Mclaughlin (B-) just ahead and Will Reichard (C+) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Wil Lutz enters the 2026 season as a reliable, veteran presence at the kicker position for Denver, with media coverage emphasizing his clutch performance history and improved mental approach to the game. Recent headlines frame him as a 'proven, clutch winner' and highlight his ability to execute in high-pressure moments, including a 50-yard field goal in the Bills matchup. However, a missed 45-yard attempt against the Patriots and subsequent clarification about alignment issues introduced minor noise into the narrative, suggesting some inconsistency concerns remain. At 10 years into his NFL career without Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition, Lutz occupies the solid starter tier—competent and trusted by his organization, but not viewed as an elite-tier specialist. Fan and media perception reflects cautious confidence: he is regarded as a dependable option who has earned his roster spot through experience and clutch execution, though he operates without the star-level acclaim that would elevate him above baseline starter expectations.