39-year-old kicker addresses decision to re-sign with Titans

Tennessee Titans place kicker Nick Folk.

After four years with the Patriots, Nick Folk was dealt to the Titans last summer. That left the 39-year-old kicker on the move again, but he enjoyed a strong debut campaign in Nashville.

Folk converted all but one of his 30 field goal attempts in 2023, and his 96.7% success rate led the NFL. He also converted 28 of 30 extra-point attempts, proving he is still capable of delivering consistent performances despite his age. That led to Tennessee’s decision to retain him via a one-year deal featuring $3.5M guaranteed in March.

“For me, it’s always been a patient game,” the former sixth-rounder said when reflecting on his decision to re-sign (via team reporter Jim Wyatt). “I kind of understand the game, and I understand the business side of it. I was patient with it, and I knew I wanted to play. I told that to [general manager] Ran [Carthon] at the end of the season, that I wanted to keep playing, that I loved it here. I wanted to come back, and I’m excited to be back.”

Considering his strong play in 2023, Folk likely could have found several outside suitors if he preferred to test the market. Instead, his decision to remain in Tennessee should give the team another campaign of stable production at the position — something the Patriots did not enjoy in the field goal department from Chad Ryland, who was drafted to replace Folk.

The latter had struggled with kickoffs during much of his New England tenure, although his touchback percentage (50.8%) and average depth (62.3 yards) on kickoffs from 2023 outpaced his career averages. Entering his 17th NFL campaign, Folk faces understandable questions about his playing future. Another productive season with the Titans — a team that included kicker Brayden Narveson in its UDFA class — would certainly help his chances of landing another opportunity in 2025 if he pursued one, though.

Folk’s range on kicks beyond 50 yards could be a cause for concern, but his accuracy aside from that has remained steady. He has connected on 78 consecutive field goals within 40 yards, the longest such streak in NFL history. Provided he remains consistent from close range, the Titans should once again have a reliable kicking game in 2024.

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