Chiefs coach leaves Harrison Butker fate undecided after missed kicks

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid declined to settle Harrison Butker's position after the team defeated the New York Jets 35 to 12 on Monday. The decision follows a sequence of missed field goals that drew loud boos from fans at Arrowhead Stadium during the halftime break. Reid told reporters he would review all information before making a final call as the week progresses.

Butker missed a 56 yard attempt that hit the upright. A penalty gave him another chance from 51 yards out. His second try sailed wide right with two seconds left in the second quarter. The performance left the crowd frustrated and raised immediate questions about the kicker's role on the roster.

Butker said he did not take the vocal criticism personally. He noted that fans are passionate and want to see the team win. The kicker acknowledged he needs to improve and wants to deliver the results the crowd expects.

Butker is 12 for 19 on field goal attempts this season. That marks a 63.2 percent accuracy rate, the lowest figure of his ten year career with the franchise. He has missed seven field goals this year, the highest total in the league. According to ESPN data, he has missed 17 kicks since the start of the 2025 season, including 12 field goal tries and five point after touchdown attempts.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes voiced strong support for the kicker. Mahomes stated the team has full confidence in Butker. He highlighted Butker's track record in high pressure situations and said he wants the kicker to know his trust has never been stronger.

The Chiefs signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad last month. Tucker missed the entire 2025 season while serving a 10 game suspension following an investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. He became eligible to sign with a new team this offseason and reportedly received calls from several franchises before joining Kansas City.

Tucker earned his spot after a perfect tryout and a competition with Harrison Mevis and Ben Sauls. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub said the signing aims to improve Butker's performance. Toub stated the primary goal is to get Butker right and that the current situation is about that process of improvement.