Former Green Bay Packers Kicker Mason Crosby Ready If — And When — Teams Start Calling

Mason Crosby is working out diligently.

He’s preparing to kick in the NFL for a 17^th season.

And while it’s likely Crosby’s time in Green Bay is over, he’s quick to remind folks to never say never.

“Never count anything out in this game,” Crosby told ESPN Wisconsin this week. “Weird stuff happens every year and you never know. You never know what’s going to happen.”

Crosby spent the last 16 years as Green Bay’s kicker and obliterated the franchise’s all-time scoring record with 1,918 points. He made 81.4% of his field goals and eclipsed the 80.0% mark in nine of his 16 seasons.

By the looks of it, though, the Crosby-era in Green Bay is over.

Crosby’s three-year, $12.9 million contract expired at the end of the 2022 season. Then the Packers drafted Anders Carlson in the sixth round to be Crosby’s replacement.

Crosby remains a street free agent today, but is preparing to kick somewhere in 2023.

“I’m getting myself ready for training camp and feeling good,” Crosby said. “I’m excited for what this next opportunity holds, and we’ll see what happens.

“It’s been unreal that this is the first time in 16 years that I’ve been a free agent. Been so fortunate and really thankful that through all these years I’ve been able to get a deal done with the Packers before I ever tested the market. So, it’s a little bit unknown.”

While the Packers appear ready to turn the page to Carlson, general manager Brian Gutekunst said on draft weekend: “I’ve praised Mason up here a bunch and what he’s done for our organization, and we’re never going to close the door on that.”

Then in May, Green Bay special teams coach Rich Bisaccia said: “I’ve been fortunate to be around a lot of great kickers during my time in the league and he’s one of them. We’re still in conversation. I think Brian has spoken that the door is not closed. He’s not on anybody’s team yet. I learned a lot from Mason.”

If Crosby were to return, it would likely be because Carlson struggles when training camp begins next month.

Carlson, who’s already 25, spent six seasons at Auburn where he made just 71.8% of his field goals (79 of 110).

Carlson was terrific from 40 yards and in, making 49 of 54 field goals (90.7%). Outside of 40, though, he was dreadful, making just 30-of-56 overall (53.6%).

Carlson was 25-of-39 between 40 and 49 yards (64.1%) and 5-of-17 beyond 50 yards (29.4%).

“He’s had the ups and downs a little bit through college,” Bisaccia said of Carlson. “I know a lot of people just look at stats, 71 percent coming out, but I look at really the makeup of the person.”

Crosby’s been around long enough to know that a handful of teams could be looking for a kicker before the season begins. Whether it’s injury or inconsistencies, several teams could turn to veterans such as Crosby if their current kickers don’t deliver.

And few have the résumé of Crosby.

“I’ve done it for a long time. I’m a known entity,” said Crosby, who made 25-of-29 field goals (86.2%) last season. “Teams would probably just want to see that I’m ready to go and I have a little bit left in me.”

In a utopian world, Crosby would love to show the Packers he has something left.

If the end has arrived, though, one of Green Bay’s all-time greats is thankful for his time in Titletown.

“It is surreal. I’m just so thankful for my time there,” Crosby said. “I feel like I’ve been that way, even when I was playing there. Just trying to be thankful, grateful for the opportunity.”