The Detroit Lions have a kicker competition this offseason.
Michael Badgley, who kicked 24-of-28 field goals in 2022, signed a one-year deal. He won the role last season from Week 5 to the conclusion.
John Parker Romo, a rookie minicamp signee, is his rival. The kicker announced it Monday.
Romo isn’t well-known. He topped the XFL in field goals last season with the San Antonio Brahmas.
He earned All-XFL after 17-of-19 attempts. His nine field goals over 40 yards included a 57-yarder. He missed only time.
Undrafted, he joined the New Orleans Saints in 2022. He was 1-of-2 on field goals in the preseason but didn’t make the roster.
He joined the XFL Brahmas after being unsigned all season.
Romo kicked for Central Arkansas, Tulsa, and Virginia Tech. In 2021, he made advantage of his best chance with the Hokies.
He made 18-of-22 field goals and 34 extra points that season. He was All-ACC.
He has made 4 of 6 50-yard tries in college and the pros.
He’ll be the Lions’ latest kicker in two seasons. Since 2021, the team has had a rotating staff.
The Lions were expected to choose a kicker. San Francisco 49ers chose Michigan’s Jake Moody in the third round.
Austin Seibert has kicked twice, including the first three 2022 games. Dominik Eberle struggled in his Week 4 debut after an injury.
Badgley was signed for stability. He and Romo will fight for the position during training camp and preseason.
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