Nick Folk Reflects on Re-Signing with Titans…
After spending four years with the Patriots, kicker Nick Folk was traded to the Titans last summer. The 39-year-old enjoyed a successful debut season in Nashville, making 29 of his 30 field goal attempts in 2023, leading the NFL with a 96.7% success rate. He also converted 28 of 30 extra points, proving his reliability despite his age. This performance prompted the Titans to retain him with a one-year deal worth $3.5 million guaranteed in March.
Reflecting on his decision to re-sign, Folk, a former sixth-round pick, said, “For me, it’s always been a patient game. I understand the game and the business side of it. I was patient and knew I wanted to play. I told [general manager] Ran [Carthon] at the end of the season that I loved it here and wanted to come back. I’m excited to be back” (via team reporter Jim Wyatt).
Given his strong 2023 season, Folk could have attracted interest from other teams if he had chosen to test the free agent market. However, his choice to stay with Tennessee provides the team with another season of stability at the kicker position, something the Patriots struggled with after drafting Chad Ryland to replace him.
Folk had issues with kickoffs during his time in New England, but his 2023 touchback percentage (50.8%) and average kickoff depth (62.3 yards) exceeded his career averages. As he enters his 17th NFL season, questions about his future are inevitable. However, another successful year with the Titans, who also signed kicker Brayden Narveson as an undrafted free agent, could secure Folk another opportunity in 2025.
While Folk’s range on kicks beyond 50 yards might be a concern, his accuracy on shorter kicks has been exceptional. He has made 78 consecutive field goals within 40 yards, the longest streak in NFL history. As long as he maintains this consistency, the Titans should have a reliable kicking game in 2024.
