Introduction
Matt Prater is a name that resonates with football fans and analysts, especially when it comes to clutch long-distance kicks. This article explores five key angles:
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His longest field goal and related records
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Contract highlights and career compensation
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His recent role with the Buffalo Bills
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His kicker profile and legacy
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Breakdown of his salary over time
1. Record-Breaking Longest Field Goal
In December 2013, while playing for the Denver Broncos, Matt Prater nailed a 64-yard field goal — setting an NFL record at the time.
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Why it’s notable: At 5,200 feet elevation in Denver, altitude gave the ball extra carry—still, it was a jaw-dropping feat. The kick came right before halftime, further heightening its dramatics.
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Records related to the longest:
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Prior longest: 63 yards (Tom Dempsey in 1970, tied by others).
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Subsequent: 66-yard game-winner by Justin Tucker in 2021.
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65-yard attempt by Brandon Aubrey in 2024—but that fell short though still notable.
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Importantly, Prater still holds the NFL record for most field goals of 50+ yards, with 81 such kicks as of the end of the 2024 season Wikipedia.
2. Contract Highlights & Career Earnings
NFL Contracts Overview
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A two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals signed in March 2023—which averages to $3.75 million per year.
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In 2023, he received a $2.5 million signing bonus and a fully guaranteed $1.5 million salary, with his 2024 salary at $3.5 million.
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Over his career, his average annual value (APY) stands around $3.23 million, with total guarantees of approximately $11.275 million, and a largest cash payout of $7.3 million in 2017.
Year-by-Year Breakdown (via SalarySport)
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2024 (Cardinals): Base salary ~$3.5M, total earnings ~$3.51M; net worth estimated at ~$45M.
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Past notable earnings:
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2015 (Lions): Base $1M, signing bonus $750K, total ~$1.94M
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2017 (Lions): Base $3.15M, bonus $3.6M, total ~$7.3M.
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Comparative Position Insight
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As of 2025, with the Bills, Prater’s cap figure is modest—$315,000 fully guaranteed—reflecting his role as a practice-squad depth veteran.
3. The Buffalo Bills Chapter
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September 4, 2025: The Buffalo Bills signed 41-year-old Matt Prater to their practice squad as backup due to Tyler Bass’s hip/groin injury.
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On September 6–7, he was elevated to the active roster, becoming the oldest player in Bills history at 41 years and 28 days old—a milestone surpassing QB Bill Munson’s previous record of 38 years.
4. Kicker Profile & Legacy
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Long-distance greatness: Holds NFL career record with 81 field goals from 50+ yards.
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Accuracy stats: Career field goal success ~83.6%, extra point success ~97%
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Accolades:
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Second-team All-Pro (2013), two-time Pro Bowl (2013, 2016), ESPN Sport Science Newton Award (2014)
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Durability & versatility: Came back from a meniscus tear in 2024, still regarded as reliable elite specialty force.
5. Salary Snapshot & Veteran Value
Compensation Journey
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2017 (Peak year): ~$7.3M total—his career single-year high.
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2023–24: Consistent ~$3.5M base + bonuses with Cardinals
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2025 (Bills): Veteran minimum/standard practice squad salary at $315K fully guaranteed, underscoring his seasoned status and the team’s need-based valuation.
Value Beyond Salary
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Serves as injury-season insurance for Buffalo, offering clutch leg strength and veteran reliability.
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His presence brings experience, morale boost, and depth, even if his pay is modest in comparison to his earlier peak years.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Longest Field Goal | 64 yards (Denver, 2013) |
| 50+ Yard FG Record | 81 career field goals |
| Top Contract Year | 2017 with ~$7.3M earnings |
| Recent Contract (Cardinals) | 2023–24: ~$3.5M base/year + bonuses |
| Bills 2025 Contract | $315,000, fully guaranteed |
| Profile | Highly accurate, long-distance specialist, multi-team success |
| Legacy | Among greatest NFL kickers, longevity, dependable in pressure moments |
Final Thoughts
Matt Prater’s journey—from record-breaking 64-yard cannon kicks to navigating the veteran salary scale in Buffalo—offers a compelling narrative. He exemplifies how elite skill, adaptability, and longevity can redefine a kicker’s value long beyond draft-day projections.
