Jake Elliott has been a steady presence for the Philadelphia Eagles since 2017 - a kicker who’s been as much a part of the team’s recent success as any skill position player. He’s nailed clutch kicks, lifted the Eagles through playoff pushes, and owns two Super Bowl rings to show for it. But as we head into the final stretch of the 2025 season, Elliott’s grip on that job may be loosening.
Let’s be clear: Elliott’s resume in Philly is rock solid. He’s second all-time in franchise field goals made, third in extra points, and has a Pro Bowl nod on his mantle.
But this year has been a different story. Heading into Week 16, Elliott was already trending toward his worst season since 2020 - and then came Saturday’s matchup with the Commanders, a game that may end up defining his future with the team.
Special Teams Set the Tone - In the Worst Way
The Eagles had a chance to clinch the NFC East with a win over Washington, but from the opening kickoff, their special teams unit looked out of sync. Rookie returner Will Shipley fumbled the game’s first touch, coughing up the ball before Jalen Hurts even got on the field. That early miscue gave the Commanders a short field and set the tone for a rocky first half.
Shipley later had another return opportunity but hesitated in the end zone, unsure whether to kneel for a touchback or take it out. He chose the latter and was stopped around the 20-yard line - a minor play on paper, but emblematic of the lack of confidence and execution from Philly’s special teams.
Elliott’s Rough First Half
Then came Elliott’s struggles - and they were hard to ignore.
His first miss came early in the second quarter. After a 12-play drive that looked promising, Elliott sailed a 43-yard attempt wide left. That’s a kick he’s made countless times in his career, but this one just didn’t have the accuracy.
Later in the half, with a chance to tie the game at 10, Elliott lined up for a 57-yard field goal - just one yard shy of his season-long. Again, wide left.
But it didn’t stop there. Washington jumped offsides on the play, giving Elliott a second chance from 52 yards.
The result? Another miss.
Three attempts, three misses - two of which officially counted. Fox’s Joe Davis summed it up on the broadcast: “A three-peat.”
Elliott’s 2025 Season in Context
After that tough outing, Elliott’s season numbers took another hit. He’s now 17-for-24 on field goals, a 71% conversion rate - the lowest of his career. For comparison, his previous career low came in 2020, when he hit 73.7% of his kicks.
The long-range struggles have been particularly glaring. Elliott is just 1-for-7 on attempts from 50 yards or more this season. That’s a stark drop-off for a kicker who’s usually been reliable from deep.
Now, it’s worth noting that Elliott isn’t just any kicker. He’s been a foundational piece of this team’s run since 2017, including some unforgettable postseason moments. But the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league, and four missed field goals in five games is the kind of trend that front offices notice.
What’s Next for Elliott and the Eagles?
With the playoffs on the horizon, it’s unlikely the Eagles make a change at kicker mid-season. Elliott’s experience and past clutch performances still carry weight, especially in high-stakes games.
But his job security heading into the offseason? That’s a different conversation.
Elliott is under contract through 2028 after signing a four-year, $24 million extension in 2024. Cutting him this offseason would come with a $6.47 million dead cap hit - not a small number, but not impossible to absorb if the team feels a change is necessary.
Given his recent struggles and the money he’s making, the Eagles will have a decision to make. Do they stick with a proven veteran and hope this is just a blip? Or do they look for a fresh start at the position?
Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay Under the Microscope
It’s not just Elliott feeling the pressure. Special teams coordinator Michael Clay is also under scrutiny.
Now in his fifth season leading the unit, Clay’s group has had its share of ups and downs. Saturday’s miscues - from the fumbled kickoff to Elliott’s misses - reflect on the entire operation.
Clay’s coaching journey began in Philadelphia back in 2014 as a defensive quality control coach. He’s worked his way up through the ranks, including a stint with the 49ers, before returning to the Eagles in 2021 to take over special teams. But with the unit struggling at such a crucial point in the season, questions about leadership are fair game.
Bottom Line
Jake Elliott’s legacy in Philadelphia is secure - he’s been one of the most dependable kickers in franchise history. But the NFL is about production, especially when you’re being paid like a top-tier player. Right now, Elliott isn’t delivering at that level, and with the playoffs looming, the pressure is only going to mount.
Whether he finishes the season strong or not, the Eagles will have to take a hard look at their kicking game this offseason. And if Saturday was any indication, change could be coming.