Think it is hard for an NFL team to settle on a kicker? Missed field goals, missed PATs. That’s before they are asked to kick off or onside kick.
The classic example of the rock ‘n’ roll life of an NFL kicker is Chase McLaughin, who was picked up by the New York Jets on Monday.
McLaughlin was undrafted out of Illinois in 2019. The Buffalo Bills signed the kicker and the journey — odyssey — was on for the 24-year-old.
McLaughlin has been with eight teams — the Vikings twice — since beginning his pro career in one way or another, which means active roster or practice squad.
Overall, he is 22-of-28 on field-goal attempts and 29-of-30 on PATs. Hard to imagine if the Jets had not grabbed him on waivers the Vikings would not have made it a hat trick with McLaughlin after Dan Bailey’s dismal day on Sunday.
Thanks to his Wikipedia page:
Buffalo Bills
McLaughlin signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on Aug. 31, 2019.
Minnesota Vikings
McLaughlin was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad on Sept. 1, 2019. He was released on Sept. 10.
Los Angeles Chargers
McLaughlin signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 1, 2019. The move was to cover for injured Chargers kicker Michael Badgley, and to give relief to Chargers punter Ty Long, who had assumed kicking duties. He was waived on Oct. 29.
San Francisco 49ers
McLaughlin signed with the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 7, 2019, after Robbie Gould injured his quad. In Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, McLaughlin made three out of four field goals in the 27–24 overtime loss. Although he made a 47-yard kick with one second left in regulation to tie the game, McLaughlin’s missed field goal occurred in overtime and would have given San Francisco the victory. He was waived on Dec. 3, 2019.
Indianapolis Colts
On Dec. 4, 2019, McLaughlin was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts due to an injury to Adam Vinatieri.[On Dec. 30, 2019, McLaughlin was signed to a one-year extension through 2020. On Sept. 5, 2020, McLaughlin was waived by the Colts during final roster cuts.]
Minnesota Vikings
On Sept. 8, 2020, McLaughlin was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. Yes, the Vikings reeled him in, again.
Jacksonville Jaguars
On Nov. 10, 2020, the Jaguars signed McLaughlin off of the Vikings’ practice squad to fill in for the injured Josh Lambo. On Nov. 25, 2020, McLaughlin was placed on the COVID-19 list. On Nov. 30, McLaughlin was activated from the COVID-19 list. McLaughlin was released by the Jaguars after activating Aldrick Rosas to the active roster.
New York Jets
On Dec. 14, 2020, McLaughlin was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets.
Hard to imagine after being tossed around the NFL for the better part of a year-plus how McLaughlin feels about landing in the depths of the league, with the 0-14 Jets, who just rid their previous kicker, Sergio Castillo after he missed three of four attempts in a loss to Seattle.
If nothing else, McLaughlin will have an awesome collection of NFL jerseys he can keep or make some money off on eBay.