The Washington Commanders are known for their proactive approach, especially when they identify an urgent need for improvement. This was clearly evident when the team decided to release kicker Cade York following a disappointing performance in their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8. York, who missed two crucial field goals—one from 56 yards and another from 47 yards—in the Commanders’ 37-20 loss, was swiftly removed from the roster.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, the Commanders wasted no time in finding a replacement. On September 9, Pelissero reported via his official X account that the team had moved quickly to sign veteran kicker Austin Seibert. “The (Commanders) plan to sign veteran kicker Austin Seibert, per source,” Pelissero wrote, noting that the decision to release York was made promptly after his struggles on Sunday.
York’s departure follows a challenging career trajectory. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, York was on his fourth team in just three seasons by the time he was let go by Washington. His inability to convert critical field goals against the Buccaneers underscored the team’s pressing need for stability in the kicking game.
Washington head coach Dan Quinn expressed his disappointment but emphasized the necessity of addressing issues head-on. “It’s certainly not ideal, but it does speak to, if it’s not right you don’t sit pat,” Quinn told ESPN. “We will get there. I’m disappointed … but we owe it to everybody to keep digging.”
The Commanders’ kicking woes have been exacerbated by off-field issues and other changes. In the offseason, they had hoped to secure their kicking situation by signing Brandon McManus to a one-year, $3.6 million contract. McManus, who had a strong performance with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023, was soon released after being implicated in a sexual assault lawsuit. Although the suit was dismissed, the controversy complicated the Commanders’ plans.
In 2023, Joey Slye, the team’s kicker, had a notable season, making 19 of 24 field goals and setting a franchise record with a 61-yard kick. However, Slye signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2024, was released in April, and later joined the New England Patriots in May.
Austin Seibert, the new kicker, brings a noteworthy background to Washington. Seibert, who set an NCAA record with 499 points at Oklahoma, was drafted by the Browns, much like York. He had a strong rookie season in 2019 but was cut by the Browns after a shaky start to the 2020 season. Over the past four seasons, Seibert has played with multiple teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, New York Jets (twice), New Orleans Saints, and most recently, the Commanders.
The Commanders have struggled to find consistent kicking talent, a challenge that dates back decades. They haven’t had a Pro Bowl kicker since Chip Lohmiller in 1991, and their last NFL All-Pro kicker was Mark Moseley in 1982. Moseley, a unique figure in NFL history, remains the only primary special teams player to have earned NFL Most Valuable Player honors, a feat he achieved during the strike-shortened 1982 season, which also saw Washington win the Super Bowl.
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