Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid declined to offer a definitive answer regarding the future of kicker Harrison Butker following the team's 35 to 12 victory over the New York Jets. The decision came after Butker missed two field goal attempts, a performance that drew loud boos from the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium as the Chiefs entered the halftime break.
Butker's initial 56 yard attempt struck the upright. He was granted a second opportunity from five yards closer after a penalty negated the first try. However, his 51 yard kick with two seconds remaining in the second quarter sailed wide to the right. The sequence of events left fans frustrated and raised questions about the kicker's role on the roster.
Reid addressed the media without being directly asked about Butker's standing. He stated that he would look at all the information and make decisions as the week progressed. The coach emphasized that he was not making any immediate calls on the situation, promising to provide an answer in due course.
Butker expressed that he did not take the vocal criticism from the supporters personally. He noted that the fans are passionate and want to see the team win, which includes making successful kicks. The kicker acknowledged his need for improvement and stated that he wants to deliver the results the crowd expects.
The Chiefs kicker is currently 12 for 19 on field goal attempts this season, resulting in a 63.2 percent accuracy rate. This figure represents the lowest mark of his ten year career with the franchise. Additionally, Butker has seven missed field goals this year, which is the highest total in the league. According to ESPN data, he has missed 17 kicks since the start of the 2025 season, including 12 field goal tries and five point after touchdown attempts.
Despite the struggles, Butker expressed confidence in his abilities. He mentioned that his teammates support him and have seen his contributions over his decade with the team. He emphasized his desire to be at his best and to make the kicks that secure victories.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes voiced strong support for the kicker, stating that the team has full confidence in Butker. Mahomes highlighted Butker's track record in high pressure situations and said he wants the kicker to know that his trust has never been stronger. The quarterback aimed to provide a clear vote of confidence during this challenging period.
The Chiefs signed veteran kicker and five time All Pro Justin Tucker to their practice squad last month. Tucker had missed the entire 2025 season while serving a 10 game suspension following an investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. He became eligible to sign with a new team this offseason and reportedly received calls from several franchises before joining Kansas City.
Tucker earned his spot on the practice squad after a perfect tryout and a competition with Harrison Mevis and Ben Sauls. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub indicated that the signing was part of an effort to improve Butker's performance. Toub stated that the primary goal is to get Butker right and that the current situation is about that process of improvement.
