Michael Badgley is on the move once again.
According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Tennessee Titans released the veteran kicker on Sunday afternoon. This marks the third time this year that the former Detroit Lions kicker has been let go. The Lions initially released Badgley on Jul. 20. Just five days later, he signed with the Washington Commanders, only to find himself released again on Aug. 20. Subsequently, he inked a deal with the Titans on Aug. 22.
While the reasons behind the Titans’ decision to part ways with Badgley remain uncertain, he undoubtedly played a role in their 23-7 victory over the New England Patriots in the preseason finale. He successfully made three out of four field goal attempts -- with his longest being a 44-yarder -- along with converting two extra point attempts.
Badgley made 20-of-24 field goals for the Lions last season, including a 53-yarder. However, he also struggled with injury issues in his adductor muscles. The Lions bolstered their kicking competition by acquiring Riley Patterson in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Parker Romo during the offseason, ultimately leading to Badgley’s release just days before the start of training camp.
Part of the reason for Badgley’s departure from the Lions was head coach Dan Campbell’s statement that he and the re-acquired Patterson shared similar kicking styles. With the Lions making a trade to bring Patterson back into the fold and expressing a strong affinity for Romo, Badgley became the odd man out.