FSU Alums: Could Roberto Aguayo be in Jeopardy With Tampa Bay?

Former FSU star Roberto Aguayo had a first year in the NFL that didn’t go according to plan – but could his time with the Buccaneers already be up?

Just over one year ago, the 2016 NFL Draft came to a screeching halt when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in the second round, traded up to take one of the most prolific scorers in FSU football history. No, it wasn’t a skill position player – it was kicker Roberto Aguayo, who won the Lou Groza Award as a redshirt freshman and may go down as one of the best kickers in college history.

That success in the college game – where me missed all of nine kicks over three seasons including just one during that magical 2013 season – didn’t translate over to the professional game during his first season with the Bucs. Aguayo missed nine kicks in his first NFL season alone and was the subject of much criticism after Tampa Bay gave up so much to get him.

Now, the Bucs have gone out and signed former New York Jets kicker Nick Folk – presumably to give Aguayo some competition and maybe to take his job. Head coach Dirk Koetter told the Tampa Bay Times that, essentially, everyone can benefit from a battle:

"“The competition has definitely started. I know everybody feels it…There’s a little tension when we’re going through that. That’s a good thing. That’s a good thing. This is pro football, there’s supposed to be competition.”"

At just 71 percent last season, Aguayo had the lowest percentage of made kicks in the entire NFL last season. He went 22 for 31, and made just four of his 11 attempts from beyond 40 yards. After booming kicks for FSU during his three season college career, those numbers have fans in pewter – some who rooted for him with the Seminoles – already saying it’s time to move on.

Baring injury or a major slump, Aguayo will get all of training camp and the preseason to go out and prove why he should keep his job. However, Koetter did point out one problem kickers have as opposed to other positions:

"“…the difference between an 85 percent kicker and 75 percent over the course of a season is probably a couple kicks. So they all matter.”"

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The  NFL has, for the longest time, stood for “Not For Long” when it comes to player careers – Aguayo is hoping that his pro career in Central Florida can last longer than 16 regular season games.