Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) reacts after missing a field goal during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Will Mason Crosby return to the Packers next year?

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin Adams | Last updated 1/14/23

Mason Crosby has been a staple of the Green Bay Packers ever since he came into the NFL. Now the Packers' all-time leading scorer, Crosby has won a Super Bowl and achieved just about everything that a kicker can with one team. Despite having a bounce-back year in 2022, general manager Brian Gutekunst would not commit to Crosby being back in 2023.

Gutekunst addressed the Packers media today, answering many questions regarding the quarterback situation, Aaron Jones, and what free agents may (or may not) be back. Mason Crosby is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and the Packers already have another kicker under contract for next season.

#Packers GM Brian Gutekunst says Mason Crosby "had an outstanding year" but noted that he is not under contract for 2023 at the moment.

— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) January 13, 2023

Gutekunst went as far as to say that even if Crosby returns in 2023, the starting kicker job is not guaranteed to be his:

#Packers GM Brian Gutekunst says there will be competition at kicker regardless of whether Mason Crosby returns next season. Same for the punter position.

— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) January 13, 2023

It is rather interesting that the punter position is considered to be “open” after the stability that Pat O’Donnell provided to the position. However, it is not too surprising that the kicker position would be “open” after Crosby struggled with kickoffs this past season.

After a down year in 2021, Mason Crosby defied many fan expectations for him and had a solid 2022 season. He made 37 of 39 extra-point attempts and 25 of 29 field goal attempts. His 86.2% accuracy was much improved over his 73.5% in 2021.

Additionally, Crosby set the Packers’ record for most consecutive games played. Brett Favre had held the record previously.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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