David Akers went from having the best season of his career, to the worst in only two years. I’m sure he and the Lions are hoping for a fresh start as they agree to a new contract. Akers will have big shoes to fill as he’s replacing Lions long-term now retired kicker, Jason Hanson. Read more after the jump.
The Detroit Lions didn’t take long to replace retired kicker Jason Hanson. The organization has agreed to terms with David Akers, the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett reported, one day after Hanson made his announcement.
Lions fans could be in for a drastic change considering Hanson was one of the most consistent kickers in NFL history. Akers was cut from the San Francisco 49ers after a disastrous 2012 in which he connected on just 69 percent of his attempts.
This is also new territory because Hanson was with the team for 21 years. Eddie Murray was the Lions’ kicker for 12 years before Hanson was drafted and took over in 1992. It’s safe to assume the 38-year-old Akers won’t last as long as his two predecessors.
Last season was the worst of Akers’ career. He posted a career-high 88.2 percent in 2002, but hasn’t reached 87 percent since.
On the other hand, Hanson was automatic from mid-range and a security blanket for the Lions offense. Maybe a change of scenery and the inside confines of Ford Field will help Akers’ accuracy.
