Pittsburgh Steelers fans already know that their team employs arguably the best kicker in the NFL with Chris Boswell. Still, there’s usually intrigue behind him on the depth chart through the preseason as the team gives their veteran sniper some much-deserved rest ahead of the season.
This year, former Pitt Panther Ben Sauls was the man kicking most of the field goals for the Steelers. Boswell attempted just one extra point this preseason, while Sauls stared down the goal posts 12 total times.
All of Sauls’ efforts for the black and gold this preseason were an audition for other kicker-needy teams across the NFL. After his performance in the Steelers’ preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, he’s sure to be on a few radars around the league.
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Against Carolina, Sauls hit all four of his field goals. He hit from 28, 38, 49, and 50 and also split the uprights on his only extra point try. Over the course of the preseason, Sauls hit five of his six kicks, the longest being the 50-yarder in the preseason finale, and was perfect on his six point-after tries.
Of course, there are only 32 spots around the league, and most teams feel plenty confident in their place kickers. Still, past Steeler kicker Matthew Wright, who happens to play for the Panthers, is proof of the budding pipeline through Pittsburgh for potential league starters at the position. As they say around draft time, it only takes one team to show interest.
There are a few potential landing spots around the league. Cleveland Browns fans are fed up with Dustin Hopkins, and the same can be said for San Francisco fans with Jake Moody. Teams like the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts are also teams to watch for Sauls to land with. Still, it could be difficult for him to land a starting gig for Week 1 this year.
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It’s entirely possible that the Steelers try to stash Sauls on the practice squad, too. After all, Chris Boswell has had his share of injuries - and cold streaks - in the past. Landing on the practice squad would mirror the beginnings of Wright’s career in Pittsburgh before he began bouncing around the league when opportunities arose.
Sauls had a solid career at Pitt as their starting kicker over the past three seasons. He hit 81% of his kicks and was perfect on point after tries after missing two in his redshirt freshman year.