The last remaining hurdle for Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott has come and gone as the NFL Draft didn't bring any added competition to the City of Brotherly Love. It is a bit of a surprise that Philly opted against adding to the position in either free agency or this year's draft class after what was a down year for Elliott. The draft class was the team's last chance to find a second option and serves as confirmation to the veteran kicker that it is his job to lose. A scenario that isn't unrealistic after a frustrating 2025 season left a myriad of questions.
Elliott hit only 74.1 percent of his field goal attempts during the 2025 season, continuing the downward trend in his conversion rate over the last three seasons. Add in the struggles from long range, and it seems the Eagles had every reason to use one of the team's draft selections to bring in competition at the position. Trey Smack of the University of Florida was the lone option in the draft that had a chance to supplant Elliott, and Philadelphia let him land elsewhere.
The prospect was selected by the Green Bay Packers, clearly not sitting on their hands when it comes to similar struggles the franchise is facing with fellow veteran kicker Brandon McManus. Philly should take a page from the Packers' playbook and provide competition for a player who has clearly proven incapable of delivering with any level of consistency.
Eagles Double Down on Jake Elliott Support with Team's Draft Decisions
Philadelphia had three seventh-round picks as well as one sixth-round selection, leaving all the ammo needed to move up to add competition. However, fans are now reduced to hoping that Elliott can turn back the clock and become the productive player the veteran once was. Elliott offered elite production as recently as the 2023 season when it felt the veteran was automatic.
A field goal percentage of 93.7 percent backed this up, with Elliott hitting on 30 of his 32 attempts. This is the type of production Philly is hoping for after the draft made it clear there won't be any additions of note made to the position. For better or worse, Philadelphia remains completely loyal to Elliott and the belief that the elite production can be recaptured.
For the kicker, it has to be a bit of a relief to make it through the draft and the end of free agency without any notable competition. In an offseason when Elliott had given the team every reason to move on, or at least have an insurance option, the franchise instead opted to put their complete trust in the kicker. A decision that will continue to be scrutinized heading into the 2026 season.
More Philadelphia Eagles News and Rumors:
Add us as a preferred source on Google