Nick Novak didn’t kick long for the Redskins last season. But he made an impact. And now he’s back.
The Redskins signed the former University of Maryland kicker on Tuesday and will place John Hall on injured reserve, according to team sources. They could negotiate an injury settlement with Hall, thus ending their nearly four-year relationship.
Hall, who underwent groin surgery last year, complained of a tired quad leading up to the New York game Sunday. During the game, his leg worsened. Redskins coach Joe Gibbs had been one of Hall’s staunchest supporters, but Hall missed 13 games the past two seasons because of leg injuries. Gibbs does not like to keep two kickers, forcing him to cut another player.
Novak spent six games on the Redskins’ roster last season, making five of seven field goals and all 15 extra points. What impressed the Redskins was his calmly kicking the game-winning field goal against Seattle in overtime.
“He’s tremendously cool under pressure,” Novak’s agent, Richard De Luca said. “As a rookie he showed he could make kicks under pressure. That’s usually the knock on rookies.”
Still, the Redskins released him when Hall regained his health. Arizona signed him a month later, wanting him to kick off. In the only game in which he also served as the field goal kicker, he made all three field goals.
Arizona cut him in the summer. He had tryouts this season with Green Bay and New Orleans.
The Redskins also worked out punter Sean Landeta on Tuesday. Kickers Todd Peterson, Tyler Jones and Jose Cortez also worked out.
