Packers 2023 free agency profile: Will Mason Crosby return?

Mason Crosby has kicked for the Green Bay Packers in every game dating back to the 2007 season.

During that time, he has become Green Bay’s all-time leading points scorer.

Crosby is now a free agent. Will he return to Green Bay, or is it time for the Packers to make a change at kicker?

Why the Packers re-sign Mason Crosby

Mason Crosby is still a quality kicker. As long as he wants to play, why not re-sign him? With Crosby, Green Bay will have continuity at kicker.

After a disappointing 2021 season, Crosby was back to his reliable best this year. He converted 86.2 percent of his field goals and even hit a 56-yarder in cold conditions at Lambeau Field.

If Aaron Rodgers is back, it makes even more sense to bring Crosby back. In an all-in season, making a change at kicker comes with some risk.

But with Crosby, Green Bay know they have a kicker they can trust. Even at times when he has struggled in his career, Crosby has always regained confidence and got back to his best.

Why the Packers don’t re-sign Mason Crosby

For as consistent as Crosby has been throughout his career, at some point, it will be time to move on.

Crosby is entering his age-39 season. One area he has been less effective is on kickoffs. Many of his kicks don’t go out the back of the end zone, creating opportunities for kick returns.

If Aaron Rodgers isn’t back, it makes more sense to make a change. Green Bay will need to create cap space in as many ways as possible, and that could include going for a more affordable option at kicker, rather than paying Crosby.

This feels like a 50/50. It’s tough to predict which direction the Packers will go with Crosby, although a Rodgers return probably increases the likelihood he’s back.