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Field goal trouble has created an unexpected question for the Kansas City Chiefs. After another miss in Sunday’s 35-12 victory over the New York Jets, coach Andy Reid declined to guarantee that Harrison Butker will remain the team’s kicker.
Butker missed a 51-yard attempt just before halftime, sending the ball wide right. The miss drew boos from Chiefs supporters at Arrowhead Stadium, marking the first time in his career that he has been booed by fans inside the venue.
Shocking Field Goal Struggles Put Butker’s Future Under Review
Reid was asked after the game whether the Chiefs had made a decision about Butker’s future. Instead of offering a firm endorsement, the veteran coach said he would review the situation during the week.
“I’ll address that as we go throughout the week,” Reid said. “I’ll look at everything. I’m not making any decisions right now.”
The cautious response immediately raised questions about whether Kansas City could make a change at a position that has traditionally been one of the team’s strengths. Butker has played a major role in the Chiefs’ recent success, including all three of the franchise’s Super Bowl championships.
Critical Numbers Highlight Kansas City’s Kicking Problem
Butker, a 10-year NFL veteran, has missed seven field goals this season, the most in the league. His recent record is even more concerning. Since the beginning of last season, he has missed 17 kicks, including 12 field-goal attempts and five extra-point tries.
Those numbers have placed increasing pressure on the Chiefs’ offense and special teams. While Kansas City defeated the Jets comfortably, missed kicks can become decisive in closer games, particularly during the postseason.
Butker insisted that his struggles are not connected to an injury. He said he feels healthy and believes he still has the necessary power and distance.
“I feel great,” Butker said. “I definitely have the distance, the power. It’s just making kicks.”
He also acknowledged the frustration surrounding his performance and said he understood the fans’ reaction.
“I’m booing myself sometimes,” Butker said. “The fans are passionate. They want us to win games. They want me to make kicks. I want to make kicks. I’ve got to be better.”
Patrick Mahomes Offers Strong Support
Despite the miss and the uncertainty surrounding the position, quarterback Patrick Mahomes publicly backed his teammate. Mahomes pointed to Butker’s history of delivering in high-pressure moments and said the Chiefs still have confidence in him.
“We have confidence in him,” Mahomes said. “I’ve seen him make field goals at the biggest stages that you can make in this league. I want him to know I have as much confidence in him as I’ve ever had.”
That support could be important as Butker attempts to recover mentally and technically. Kickers often face intense pressure because a single miss can change the outcome of a game, and Butker’s recent struggles have made every attempt more closely watched.
Justin Tucker Adds More Intrigue to Chiefs Decision
The Chiefs already have another experienced option within the organization. Two weeks ago, Kansas City signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker to its practice squad.
Tucker is a five-time All-Pro who has not played in the NFL since 2024. He served a 10-game suspension last season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy and was released by the Baltimore Ravens in 2025. His presence gives the Chiefs additional experience, although it does not automatically mean he will replace Butker.
Before adding Tucker, Kansas City also held a three-man kicking competition involving Harrison Mevis and Ben Sauls. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub said shortly after Tucker’s arrival that Butker would continue as the team’s kicker.
“We’re trying to improve and get Butker right,” Toub said. “That’s what this whole thing is about.”
What Happens Next for Harrison Butker?
For now, the Chiefs have not announced a change. Butker remains the expected kicker, and he converted all five of his extra-point attempts against the Jets. However, Reid’s refusal to make a commitment means the situation will be monitored closely throughout the week.
The next decision could depend on practice performance, conversations among coaches and players, and whether the team believes Butker can regain his consistency. Kansas City is competing with championship expectations, making reliability in the kicking game especially important.
The Chiefs’ next field goal attempt will likely receive more attention than usual. For Butker, it could become an opportunity to silence the criticism. For Kansas City, it could help determine whether its trusted veteran remains part of the long-term plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Harrison Butker’s Chiefs future uncertain?
Butker’s future is uncertain because he has missed seven field goals this season, the most in the NFL, and Andy Reid said he has not made a decision about the kicker’s status.
How many kicks has Butker missed since last season?
Since the start of last season, Butker has missed 17 kicks: 12 field goals and five extra-point attempts.
Who could replace Harrison Butker?
The Chiefs recently added veteran Justin Tucker to their practice squad. Harrison Mevis and Ben Sauls were also involved in the team’s earlier kicking competition.
Did Butker say he is injured?
No. Butker said he feels healthy and has the necessary power and distance. He explained that his main problem has been converting kicks.
