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Browns Keep Cundiff After Trying Out Three Kickers

Like it or not, Billy is back.

By Joe Ginley
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Billy Cundiff's job is secure, at least for another week.

The Browns have opted to stick with the 34-year-old kicker for this Sunday's game against the Bengals, head coach Mike Pettine announced today.

Cundiff has drawn criticism for his poor performance as of late. The veteran has missed a field goal in each of his five games, bringing his total to 22-of-29 on the season. His 76 percent field goal percentage ranks him 29th in the league out of 32 kickers with 10 or more field goal attempts.

Through the first half of the season, Cundiff was kicking well, connecting on 15-of-17 field goals. Both misses came against Baltimore, however, in a critical early season loss to the Ravens at home.

According to Howard Balzer of the Sports Xchange, the Browns brought in Garrett Hartley, Nate Freese, and Zach Hocker on Wednesday. Only Freese has kicked an NFL field goal this season.

Hartley last played for the Saints in 2013, as he hit 22-of-30 field goals for New Orleans. Freese started the season as the Lions' starting kicker, but only lasted three games. A rookie drafted in the seventh round, Freese only made 3-of-7 field goals for Detroit before the team cut its losses. The Redskins drafted Hocker in the seventh round, too, but cut him in the preseason before signing Kai Forbath.

Hartley and Hocker also worked out with the Saints early in the week, but the Saints chose to stick with Shayne Graham instead.

Earlier today, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor took the field goal team to First Energy Stadium to prepare for Sunday. Upon returning, Tabor showed confidence in Cundiff.

Are you confident in Cundiff, too? What do you think of the Browns' decision to keep Cundiff? Let your opinion be known in the poll and comments section below.

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