Jaguars HC Doug Pederson explains decision to add K James McCourt

After an uninspiring performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 of the 2022 NFL Preseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars released kicker Ryan Santoso and claimed James McCourt off waivers to take his place. Head coach Doug Pederson talked to the media and discusses the moves.

Pederson described McCourt’s leg strength as impressive but says that the team is looking for consistency from the kicker position. “Obviously, the consistency is what you look for in kickers”, the head coach said. It’d be a good opportunity for him. And for us, just to keep going through the process. We still got a little bit of time before kicks mean something”.

Santoso went made two of his four field goals against the Steelers. He missed a 51-yard attempt early in the game and one for 57-yards with the game on the line. He also failed an attempt against the Las Vegas Raiders in the Hall-of-Fame game. Overall, Santoso went 3-of-6 for the Jaguars in three preseason games.

On the other hand, McCourt hasn’t attempted a field goal in two preseason games this year. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers after going undrafted in the spring. He nailed eight fields goal of 50 yards or longer at Ilinois, a school record. Pederson told the media the team is flying him to Atlanta, so he can kick in Week 3 of the preseason. Here’s Pederson’s exchange with the media before Tuesday’s practice.

The writing was on the wall for former Jaguars K Ryan Santoso

Even though Santoso was the lone kicker on the Jaguars roster ahead of preseason Week 2, Doug Pederson opted not to commit to him and instead said he needed to see more from him. Ultimately, Santoso wasn’t able to take advantage of the opportunity to claim the job.

By bringing McCourt in, the Jaguars are showing they want consistency from all position groups and they will look for outside options if that means getting better. Optimally, the kicker position should be settled by now but the team’s brass isn’t burying their head in the sand and is instead looking for solutions.

It’s uncertain how McCourt will fare in game action but he will have a chance to put a stop to the Jaguars’ kicking carrousel.