Commanders cut Gay after 2 missed kicks in loss

• John KeimNov 17, 2025, 04:14 PM ET

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  John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on ‘The John Keim Report’, which airs on ESPN Richmond radio.

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders released kicker Matt Gay on Monday, one day after he missed two kicks, including what would have been a game-winner, in Sunday’s 16-13 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins in Madrid.

Gay joined the Commanders in April on a one-year deal with $4.25 million guaranteed — the most a kicker has received for a one-year contract.

Gay missed a 56-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining in regulation that would have given Washington a 16-13 lead. Earlier in the game Gay had missed a 51-yarder.

After the game Gay said he felt “100% of the blame” for the loss fell on him.

In 11 games, Gay made 13-of-19 field goals. But he was 4-of-9 from beyond 50 yards. Last season with the Indianapolis Colts he missed six of nine attempts beyond 50.

In his seven-year career Gay has made 84% of his field goals.