Right now, the Detroit Lions only have one kicker on the 90-man roster. Michael Badgley is currently unchallenged in his quest to be the full-time kicker in 2023 after performing well after taking over midway through the 2022 season.
Badgley is clearly the favorite to be the Lions kicker. However, the team is auditioning a potential challenger with some professional experience at this week’s rookie minicamp. Per Aaron Wilson, the Lions have invited John Parker Romo of the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas to join the team on a tryout basis.
Romo, 25, has made 17 of his 19 field goal attempts for the Brahmas this season. He’s 9-of-10 from beyond 40 yards, with a 57-yarder as his longest successful kick. Romo lost his training camp battle with the New Orleans Saints last summer.
Badgley made 20 of his 24 field goal attempts in 12 games for Detroit in 2022. His longest success was 53 yards, but his 20 percent touchback rate on kickoffs was among the worst in the league.
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