NFL Player News

Nate Kaeding has chosen to retire rather than play in 2013, according to the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Kaeding hurt his groin several days ago according to the report. That means Connor Barth will soon be the only active kicker on the Bucs roster.

The Bills drafted kicker Dustin Hopkins in the sixth round of the NFL Draft out of Florida State. Hopkins will compete with veteran Rian Lindell for the starting job.

The Dolphins drafted Caleb Sturgis in the fifth round of the NFL Draft out of the University of Florida. Sturgis will compete with Dan Carpenter for the kicking job in Miami, and Sturgis might be the favorite based on Carpenter’s struggles in recent years. Keep an eye on what develops of this battle in training camp, and if Sturgis is kicking for the Dolphins he would be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option in all leagues.

The Browns signed free-agent kicker Shayne Graham on Monday, the team announced. Graham is expected to replace Phil Dawson, who signed with the 49ers back in March.

After watching most of his starting teammates bolt last week, veteran kicker Nick Folk opted to stay with the Jets and re-signed with the club after being an unrestricted free agent. Folk has been with the Jets for three seasons after signing as a free agent in 2010. He was 21 of 27 on field-goal attempts last season, and 134 for 172 for his career. He spent his first three NFL seasons with Dallas.

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker turned in another solid performance as he connected on two field goals and four extra points against the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday. Tucker drilled a 19-yard attempt and a 38-yard shot -- all in the fourth quarter -- to hang on to a 34-31 victory.

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was needed for only four extra points during Baltimore's 28-13 victory over New England in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday. It was just the second time this season, including the playoffs, Tucker failed to attempt a field goal. In three playoff games, he has amassed 12 extra points while finishing 2 for 2 on field goals.

Falcons kicker Matt Bryant booted one field goal and three extra points during Atlanta's 28-24 loss to San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. Bryant converted a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter to finish perfect for the sixth consecutive outing. In three of those games, including Sunday, he finished with just one field goal.

Texans kicker Shayne Graham connected on two field goals and a pair of extra points during Houston's 41-28 loss to New England in an AFC Divisional Playoff game Sunday. Graham drilled kicks of 27 and 55 yards -- both in the first half -- for just his second outing in the last five game with fewer than three field-goal attempts. However, his two extra points represented his most since Week 15 against Indianapolis (two).

After the top-seeded Falcons squandered a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter, Matt Ryan completed two long passes and Matt Bryant kicked a 49-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining to give Atlanta a stunning 30-28 victory over Russell Wilson and the gutty Seattle Seahawks in an NFC divisional playoff game Sunday. The Seahawks called time just before the ball was snapped, and Bryant's kick sailed right of the upright. That turned out to be nothing more than practice. The next one was right down the middle, giving the Falcons a stunning victory. Bryant took off toward the Falcons logo in the middle of the field, pumping his right fist before he was mobbed by his teammates. Bryant also had field goals of 37 and 39 yards. He finished with 12 points as he kicked three extra points.