A Fresh Leg for the Lions: Signing Undrafted Kicker James Turner
In a strategic move to bolster their special teams, the Detroit Lions are injecting fresh talent into the squad with the addition of a local undrafted kicker. James Turner, the Michigan kicker who made his mark in college football, has reportedly agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions, adding an intriguing narrative to the team’s off-season developments.
A Look at Turner’s Collegiate Track Record
Turner’s journey through college football has been a notable one, showcasing a level of consistency that caught the Lions’ eye. Initially plying his trade at Louisville, Turner has had a collegiate career marked by impressive highs and some challenges. In 2020, he had a flawless run on extra points and a commendable performance on field goals. Fast forward to 2021, and we saw him dip slightly, particularly on field goals. However, he rebounded majestically in 2022:
- In 2020, he hit the mark on all 40 extra points and nailed 13 out of 15 field goal attempts, with a long of 50 yards.
- The following year saw a slight dip with a 95.8% success rate on extra points and 63.6% on field goals, but he managed a respectable long of 46 yards.
- His comeback in 2022 was strong — with a near-perfect extra point record and 20 out of 22 field goals made, tying the Louisville program’s record for most field goals in a season.
The cherry on top came in 2023 after Turner transferred to the Wolverines and helped them clinch a national championship. He came through in clutch moments, including going 6-for-6 during the title game, and finished the year with solid stats, including an 85.7% success rate on field goals.
Competition at the Kicker Spot
Despite his successful collegiate career, questions linger about Turner’s ability to replicate his performance in the pro league, especially when it comes to long-range kicks. The Lions currently lack a kicker who can reliably hit from deep, and Turner’s college long of 50 yards doesn’t quite put those concerns to bed.
Turner isn’t walking into an uncontested role, either. He’s set to challenge Michael Badgley, the incumbent kicker whose journey has been a roller-coaster in itself. After a stint on the practice squad last year, Badgley clawed back into the spotlight, delivering perfect performances in both the regular season and postseason. The competition between Turner and Badgley will be a subplot to watch as the Lions gear up for the upcoming season.
Additionally, the Lions’ kicking saga includes another name — Jake Bates of the Michigan Panthers from the UFL, who turned heads with his accuracy from the 60+ yard range. Bates may join the fray once the UFL season wraps up.
Final Thoughts
The Lions’ acquisition of James Turner is a calculated gamble on potential, a move that could pay dividends if Turner can translate his collegiate reliability into NFL success. With the spotlight now turning to the preseason competitions, all eyes will be on how Turner adapts to the professional game’s pressures — and whether he can extend his range to solve Detroit’s long-range kicking woes.
