According to reports from MLFootball and Mike Payton of A To Z Sports, the Detroit Lions have recently worked out UFL kicker Andre Szmyt as they search for a replacement for their injured starting kicker, Michael Badgley.

This development comes after Badgley suffered a season-ending torn hamstring, leaving the Lions in need of a reliable kicker for the entirety of the 2024 season. In light of the situation, the team has turned to Szmyt, who went undrafted in 2023 but impressed during his time with the St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL. Leading the league in field goals made, Szmyt showcased his accuracy by converting 19-of-21 attempts, including 4-of-5 from 40-49 yards and 4-of-5 from beyond the 50-yard mark, with a long of 61 yards.

Before his professional career, Szmyt displayed his kicking abilities during his five seasons at Syracuse, where he made 85-of-105 field goals, including 6-of-10 from 50+ yards.

Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that the Lions had already conducted a workout with a kicker and are open to evaluating more options in their quest to find a suitable replacement for Badgley. Campbell emphasized that they are not in a rush and want to ensure they find the right candidate who can provide competition and contribute during training camp.

Whoever the Lions ultimately sign will be in direct competition with Jake Bates, who is coming off a successful UFL season with the Michigan Panthers. Bates notably made multiple 60-yard kicks and earned All-UFL honors. However, it is worth noting that Bates did not have experience kicking field goals in college.

Campbell expressed his intention to test Bates in various pressure situations during training camp, acknowledging that although it is not the same as NFL games, it will provide valuable insights into his abilities. The coach praised Bates' strong leg and exuded confidence in his personality and overall aura, stating that Bates displays a notable level of confidence.

As the Lions continue their search for the ideal replacement kicker, it remains to be seen who will ultimately fill the role left vacant by Badgley's unfortunate injury. The team will prioritize finding a candidate who can handle the pressures of NFL games and contribute to the Lions' special teams unit effectively.