Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs

Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs examines the Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to release kicker Elliott Fry on December 20, 2024—just three weeks after signing him to replace the injured Harrison Butker. Fry, a 29-year-old journeyman with stints on six NFL teams, was brought in to fill a critical void when Butker suffered a calf strain in the Chiefs’ Week 14 loss to the Denver Broncos. During his brief tenure, Fry appeared in two games, making 3 of 5 field goal attempts and all 4 extra-point tries, but his inconsistent performance—including a missed 42-yard field goal in a Week 15 loss to the Baltimore Ravens that would have tied the game late in the third quarter—ultimately led to his departure. With Butker returning to full health and the Chiefs in a desperate fight for a playoff spot, the move to waive Fry underscores the team’s zero-tolerance for unreliability at a position that often decides close games. Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs emphasizes that while Fry served a necessary role as injury cover, the Chiefs’ playoff ambitions demanded a return to the consistency of their longtime starter.

Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs begins with the circumstances that led to Fry’s signing, and the expectations placed on him. When Butker left the Broncos game in the second quarter with a calf strain, the Chiefs were left without their primary kicker—a player who had converted 86% of his field goals over the past five seasons. With no other kickers on the roster, the Chiefs turned to Fry, who had most recently played for the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions (where he made 92% of his kicks in 2023) and had spent time on the practice squads of the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals. The initial plan was clear: Fry would serve as a short-term replacement while Butker recovered, handling field goals and extra points until the starter was healthy enough to return. “We brought Elliott in because we needed a reliable option while Harrison got back on his feet,” said Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub at the time of Fry’s signing. “He’s had success in other leagues, and we thought he could step in and get the job done for us.” Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs underscores how Fry’s arrival was a pragmatic solution to an unexpected crisis—but one that was always intended to be temporary, contingent on Butker’s recovery and Fry’s ability to perform.

Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs delves into Fry’s performance during his two games with the Chiefs, which revealed the inconsistencies that led to his release. In his debut against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15, Fry made both of his field goal attempts (a 35-yarder and a 40-yarder) and all three extra points, helping the Chiefs secure a 31-24 win. However, his next game against the Ravens exposed his limitations: he made a 28-yard field goal early but missed a 42-yard attempt in the third quarter when the Chiefs trailed 21-18. The miss proved costly, as the Ravens extended their lead to 28-18 shortly after, and the Chiefs ultimately lost 31-24— a defeat that damaged their playoff chances. Fry also struggled with kickoffs in both games, averaging just 61 yards per kickoff (well below Butker’s season average of 68 yards) and failing to record a touchback in four attempts. “We need our kicker to be consistent, especially in big games,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid after the Ravens loss. “Every point matters this time of year, and we can’t afford to leave points on the board.” Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs recognizes that while Fry had moments of success, his inability to deliver in high-pressure situations made him expendable once Butker was ready to return.

Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs underscores how the Kansas City Chiefs’ need for reliability—especially during their playoff push—drove the decision to waive Fry. The Chiefs entered Week 17 with a 9-6 record, clinging to the AFC’s 6th seed, and every remaining game was a must-win. Butker, who has been the Chiefs’ kicker since 2017 and has a proven track record in playoff games (converting 83% of his field goals in the postseason), represents a level of consistency that Fry could not match. Butker’s return to practice on December 19—where he made all 10 of his field goal attempts, including two from 50+ yards—confirmed he was ready to reclaim his role. “Harrison is our guy,” Reid said in a press conference announcing Fry’s release. “He’s been with us through thick and thin, and he’s proven he can make the big kicks when we need him. With the stakes as high as they are, we need to go with the player we trust the most.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ focus on winning now left no room for sentimentality: while Fry had filled a gap, the team’s playoff hopes depended on having a kicker who could be counted on in the most critical moments—a role Butker has repeatedly filled in his career.

Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs highlights how the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster flexibility needs also played a role in Fry’s release. The Chiefs needed to open a spot on their 53-man roster to activate Butker, and waiving Fry was the most logical move—especially since the team had no other immediate needs for a second kicker. Additionally, the Chiefs were looking to add depth at other positions, such as defensive back or offensive line, where injuries had left them thin. By releasing Fry, the Chiefs freed up a roster spot that could be used to sign a practice squad player or claim a player off waivers who could contribute in the final weeks of the season. “Roster spots are precious this time of year,” said general manager Brett Veach. “We have to make sure every player on our 53-man roster is someone who can help us win right now. With Harrison back, we no longer needed two kickers, so we made the move to open up a spot for a player who can fill another need.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ strategic use of roster space reflects their understanding of the importance of depth in the final stretch—especially for a team that can’t afford to carry a player who isn’t essential to their immediate success.

Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs concludes with how the Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to waive Fry is a reminder of the harsh realities of the NFL, where short-term roles often end as quickly as they begin. For Fry, the release marks another stop in a nomadic career—one that has included stints in the NFL, USFL, and CFL—but it also highlights the value of being a reliable backup (he was able to step in and contribute when the Chiefs needed him). For the Chiefs, the move is a calculated risk that prioritizes their long-term starter over a short-term replacement—a decision that could pay off if Butker delivers in the final weeks of the season. “We appreciate everything Elliott did for us,” Veach said. “He came in on short notice and helped us win a game, which is no small feat. But at the end of the day, we have to do what’s best for the team’s chances of winning a championship.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff push will likely be decided by small margins—including field goals—and the team is betting that Butker’s experience and consistency will be the difference between success and failure. Elliott Fry Waived as Kicker by the Kansas City Chiefs ends with a clear takeaway: in the NFL, reliability is everything—especially at kicker. The Chiefs’ decision to waive Fry and bring back Butker is a bet on that reliability, and it’s a move that could define their season.