Matt Prater Current Team and Contract
Matt Prater currently plays for the Detroit Lions as their primary kicker. He signed a one-year contract extension with the Lions ahead of the 2024 NFL season, solidifying his role on the roster. The deal is structured as a standard veteran minimum contract with a base salary of approximately $1.2 million and a prorated signing bonus. His current cap hit is around $1.3 million, making him one of the more cost-effective starters on the team. Prater's presence provides the Lions with a reliable veteran option at the kicker position, a role critical to field position and scoring. His experience and consistent leg strength remain key assets for the team's special teams unit. For the latest contract details, you can check the official team salary information on the NFL's official site NFL Official Site.
The Lions acquired Prater in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals during the 2023 offseason, a move that addressed a long-term need at kicker. Prior to joining Detroit, Prater had spent the majority of his career with the Denver Broncos, where he set the NFL record for the longest field goal. His signing with the Lions was seen as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition given his proven track record. The team's front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, prioritized veteran leadership in the special teams department. Prater's role is purely as a kicker, with no punt return or kickoff return duties, allowing him to focus entirely on field goal and extra point attempts. This specialization is a common trend in the modern NFL, where teams value positional purity. His current status on the Lions' 53-man roster is active, and he is expected to be the primary kicker throughout the season.
Career History and Previous Teams
Denver Broncos Era
Matt Prater spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Denver Broncos, from 2007 to 2014, and again from 2018 to 2021. He is best known for kicking a 64-yard field goal in 2013, which set the NFL record for the longest field goal in a game. During his time with the Broncos, Prater became the team's all-time leading scorer, surpassing the previous record held by Jason Elam. He was a key contributor to the Broncos' victory in Super Bowl 50, converting all extra point attempts and a crucial field goal in the game. Prater's accuracy and leg strength made him one of the most reliable kickers in the league during that period. His performance metrics, including a career field goal percentage of over 86% with Denver, are documented on his official NFL player page Pro Football Reference.
After his initial stint with the Broncos, Prater was released in 2014 and spent a season with the Arizona Cardinals. He returned to Denver in 2018 and remained with the team until the end of the 2021 season. During his second Broncos tenure, he continued to be a consistent scorer, helping the team reach the AFC Championship game in the 2021 season. Prater's longevity and consistency are highlighted by his multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. He holds numerous Broncos franchise records, including most field goals made and most points scored by a kicker. His departure from Denver in 2022 marked the end of a highly productive era for the franchise's kicking game. The transition to the Cardinals and then the Lions reflected the league's constant roster adjustments.
Other NFL Stints
Before his return to Denver, Prater had a brief but notable stint with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015. He was signed to provide veteran depth and