Chase McLaughlin named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month

Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin received recognition for his perfect kicking in October, as he earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors.

McLaughlin not only stayed perfect throughout October (7-for-7 on field goals, 11-for-11 on extra points), but he’s been 100% accurate throughout the entire season thus far. In 8 games, the 30-year-old veteran has successfully converted all 19 of his attempts in 2026, as well as all 17 of his extra point attempts.

The Tampa Bay placekicker, in his fourth season with the team, is the first to earn the honor in nearly two decades for the Bucs. He joins Matt Bryant, who garnered it in December 2007.

Missing October by one day, McLaughlin arguably produced his best outing of the year with a 3-for-3 day against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday in the midst of a deluge. McLaughlin is tied for most makes in the entire league with Arizona’s Chad Ryland and Indianapolis’s Spencer Shrader, but both of them have multiple misses on their ledger. He’s easily the frontrunner for first-team All-Pro halfway through the year.

McLaughlin has been nothing short of elite since joining the Bucs in 2023, as he’s been the most accurate kicker from 50+ yards and one of the most accurate kickers overall. He etched his name in the record books last season with the longest outdoor field goal in NFL history, nailing a kick from 65 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles at home.

In the final year of his contract, “Money” McLaughlin has earned his new pay day, and the Bucs will need to soon prioritize paying one of their most reliable players.