Former Lions kicker released by Colts two months after NFL return

Just under two months after making his NFL season debut, former Detroit Lions kicker Michael Badgley is back on the free-agent market.

The Indianapolis Colts announced the release of the 30-year-old kicker after signing him to a third stint with the franchise in October. In seven games this season, Badgley made 10 of his 11 field-goal attempts — including a 53-yarder, the second-longest of his career — and went 18 of 21 on extra-point tries.

One of those missed PATs came during the Colts’ 20–16 loss to the Houston Texans, a miscue that forced Indianapolis to need a touchdown instead of a game-tying field goal.

The Colts initially signed Badgley after kicker Spencer Schrader suffered a season-ending ACL and MCL injury.

Following Badgley’s release, the Colts signed former New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe to their practice squad.

Before returning to Indianapolis, Badgley spent his previous two NFL seasons (2022 and 2023) with the Lions. In 16 games with Detroit, he made 24 of 28 field goals and 46 of 48 extra-point attempts.

Though his time in Detroit had its ups and downs, Badgley played a key role during the Lions’ 2023 playoff run.

In the Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field, he drilled a 54-yard field goal to give Detroit a 24–17 lead with 8:41 left in the third quarter — the Lions’ final points in a 24–23 victory.

He remained perfect that postseason, finishing 3-for-3 on field-goal attempts, including a 23-yard kick in the first quarter of the Divisional Round matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That kick gave Detroit an early 3–0 lead in a game the Lions eventually won 31–23, advancing to the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Lions brought Badgley back for the 2024 season, but he tore his hamstring during training camp and missed the remainder of the year. The team chose not to re-sign him after his contract expired.

Along with the Lions and Colts, Badgley has also played for the Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans (twice), Chicago Bears, and Washington Commanders.