The New York Giants have a kicking problem. Again. And after losing 24-21 to the Washington Commanders on Thursday night in a game where Dominic Zvada missed a 33-yard field goal, it's getting increasingly difficult to pretend otherwise, even if it hurts me more than you'll ever know.
The undrafted rookie has now made just eight of his last 14 field goal attempts after starting his NFL career a perfect 9-for-9. That's a pretty concerning drop-off for a team trying to hold onto first place in the NFC East, especially when three points were quite literally the difference between winning and losing Thursday night.
Still, head coach John Harbaugh isn't ready to throw in the towel on his young kicker, and he shouldn't be. Following the loss, Harbs defended Zvada, saying, "As soon as a guy doesn't make a play, you can't start firing people left and right. Especially your kicker, who's a rookie. I'm confident that he's going to become a good kicker."
But what if there's an already good kicker out there who's already very familiar with the team?
Giants shouldn't give up on Dominic Zvada, but Ben Sauls deserves a call
I'm going to have to agree with the special teams encyclopedia, Harbs, here. Giving up on Zvada halfway through his rookie season would be premature, especially considering how impressive he was early on. But bringing in some competition? That feels more than reasonable. And I'm a reasonable guy if nothing else.
Oh, and wouldn't you know it, the Giants have a familiar southpaw sitting on the couch who might be the perfect mid-season pickup. Remember Ben Sauls?
After cycling through Graham Gano, Jude McAtamney, and Younghoe Koo last year, Big Blue finally found some stability with the left-footed Pitt product. Sauls appeared in the final three games of 2025 and made all 15 of his kicks (8-for-8 on field goals and 7-for-7 on extra points). Sure, seven of those eight field goals came from inside 40 yards, but the guy made every kick he was asked.
Then came the offseason competition with Zvada, who beat Sauls fair and square. The rookie converted 81 of 90 camp attempts (90%), compared to Sauls' 67 of 87 (77%). Both were perfect in preseason games, but Zvada's stronger leg and consistency ultimately won him the job.
Sauls was waived with an injury settlement in late August, though Harbs made it clear he thought highly of the 26-year-old, saying, "I would say Ben also won a job." Well, that job might be worth revisiting.
Sauls worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs on October 28, but they ultimately went with Justin Tucker instead. As of now, the former Giants kicker remains a free agent, presumably waiting for somebody to give him another opportunity.
And with Zvada struggling, it might be Better Call Sauls time.
Before you tag me online and call me names, I'm not suggesting the G-Men relieve Zvada of his duties and give the job to Sauls. The 23-year-old has earned his spot, and he deserves a chance to work through his struggles, especially with Big Blue history on the line. But there's nothing wrong with making him earn it again, especially with the playoff race heating up.
The Giants already know Sauls can handle kicking in New York. They spent the end of last season watching him do exactly that. Bringing him back for a workout wouldn't cost them much of anything, and it might be the push Zvada needs to get back on track.
Worst-case scenario, Zvada responds and keeps his job. Best-case scenario, the Giants find a solution to their kicking woes before another missed field goal comes back to bite them.
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