Getty Mason Crosby #2 of the Green Bay Packers stands on the field prior to a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers are planning to rely on Mason Crosby for years to come.
The Packers signed their 35-year-old veteran kicker to a new three-year contract, according to a social media post from Crosby’s agent, Mike McCartney, on Saturday. Crosby has spent all 13 of his previous NFL seasons in Green Bay and was set to become an unrestricted free agent after playing out the final year of his previous contract in 2019.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Crosby’s new deal is worth $12.9 million with him set to earn $6 million in his first year and $9.5 million over his final two seasons. The deal makes him the NFL’s third-highest paid kicker behind Baltimore’s Justin Tucker and San Francisco’s Robbie Gould.
Big day for former Colorado Buffs. Congrats to @crosbykicks2 agreeing to a 3 year contract with the @packers. 14th year in GB!
Crosby was more accurate on his field-goal kicking in 2019 than in any of his previous years with 22 makes on 24 attempts, booting through game-winners in each of the Packers’ two victories over the Detroit Lions last season. He was named a first alternate for the Pro Bowl and also fended off competition from youngster Sam Ficken in training camp to prove to the Packers he was still one of the best in the game.
More impressive than his strong play, though, is how Crosby stayed so consistent for the Packers while dealing with adversity and tragedy in his family life. Crosby’s wife, Molly, was diagnosed with lung cancer last summer and waged war against the disease until she was deemed cancer-free partway into the season. Months later, Crosby lost his sister-in-law — his brother’s wife — to ovarian cancer days before the Packers’ trip to face the New York Giants.
“I think when you have a guy who has been through the fire like Mason has, for a guy in my position, it makes us feel very comfortable,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Friday, via ESPN’s Rob Demovksy. “He obviously had an excellent year last year. He’s a big part of our team, a big part of what we’re trying to do here. I’m very hopeful that that will reach the right ending.”
Follow the Heavy on Packers Facebook page for the latest breaking news, rumors and content!
Crosby’s Franchise Legacy Will Continue to Grow
Crosby has come a long way since the Packers drafted him in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He was the league’s leading scorer during his rookie season with 141 points and three seasons later was crowned a Super Bowl champion. Frankly, it is amazing he has never been outright picked for a Pro Bowl squad in his 13 seasons.
The Packers would probably agree considering how his numbers stack up through history. Crosby leads the franchise in field goal makes (329), extra-point makes (588), points scored (1,575) and makes from 50 yards or farther (35). He has also been responsible for each of the seven-longest field goals in Packers history, including his career-high of 58 yards kicked in 2011.
Crosby also holds an NFL postseason record for most consecutive field goal makes, a streak that ended at 23 when he missed in 2017’s NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons.
READ NEXT: Should Packers Try Signing Ex-Bears WR Taylor Gabriel in Free Agency?