The Philadelphia Eagles' training camp is in full swing, and it's time to take a closer look at the specialists, specifically the kickers and punters. The team's special teams have been a topic of discussion, with a focus on the performance of Jake Elliott and Braden Mann.
Jake Elliott, the kicker, signed a four-year contract extension worth $24 million, making him one of the highest-paid kickers in the NFL. However, his performance in the 2025 season raised concerns. Elliott's field goal percentage dropped to 74.1%, and he struggled with kicks from 50-plus yards, going 4-for-8. This is a significant decline from his near-automatic season in 2023, where he had a 93.8% field goal percentage. The Eagles' Super Bowl victory last year masked some of these issues, but the 2025 season left no room for error.
The team's decision to restructure Elliott's contract, reducing his base pay and guaranteeing all of it for 2026, suggests they are willing to give him another chance. However, the fact that they didn't immediately seek a new kicker raises questions. The Eagles' fans are likely aware of Elliott's struggles, as he missed crucial kicks in several games, including a 56-yard field goal in a loss to the Cowboys, a PAT in a loss to the Bears, and a 48-yard field goal in a game against the Chargers that went to overtime. These missed kicks had a significant impact on the team's performance.
Braden Mann, the punter, signed a four-year deal worth $14 million. While Mann's punting metrics were slightly below average, with an EPA per punt of 42.8, he performed well in open field punting, tying for fourth in the NFL with eight touchbacks. The Eagles' fans have been relatively pleased with Mann's performance, unlike in the past when they were often frustrated with the punter. The team's decision to extend Mann's contract suggests they believe he can improve and become a reliable punter.
The Eagles' long snapper, Rocco Underwood, is an undrafted rookie who appeared in 50 games for the Florida Gators. He has the potential to be a great athlete, but he has also had his fair share of inaccuracies, including unplayable snaps during his college career. The team's decision to have Underwood compete with other long snappers in training camp is a strategic move to ensure they have the best player for the job.
In summary, the Eagles' specialists have their work cut out for them, with Elliott and Mann facing scrutiny and the need to perform at a high level. The team's decision to extend Mann's contract and give Elliott another chance suggests they believe in their ability to improve. The long snapper position is also a critical area, with Underwood's potential and inaccuracies alike under the microscope. As the training camp progresses, the Eagles will be closely monitoring the specialists' performance, with the potential for changes if necessary.
