Wright Stuff: Kicker Matthew Wright Hopes to Show Growth in 3rd Stint with Steelers

A familiar face is back booting footballs in Pittsburgh. The Steelers signed third-year kicker Matthew Wright off of Kansas City’s practice squad on Wednesday morning.

Chris Boswell is still nursing a groin injury that kept him out of the team’s game against Philadelphia prior to the bye week. Wright arrives with Boswell’s status up in the air.

Wright originally signed with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent in 2019 before spending time with the XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers. He came back to the Steel City in 2020, connecting on each of his four field goal attempts and seven extra point kicks.

He kicked for the Jacksonville Jaguars a season ago, going 21-for-24 on field goal tries, including four-of-six on those from at least 50 yards out. He’s worked on his range since his last stint in black and gold.

“When I was first here, I was fresh out of college, obviously,” Wright said. “I knew leg strength was a big thing I needed to work on, so I’ve been consistently trying to get better at that.”

To do so, he said he’s gained weight and focused on becoming more explosive through plyometrics, lifting heavier, and eating more.

“Having a full season under my belt was a big stepping stone,” Wright said. “Being successful during that, I feel like my mentality’s gotten a lot better. I’ve grown up a bit, gotten a little stronger, and I feel better than ever.”

There shouldn’t be much of an adjustment to a new snapper and holder on a short week, he said.

“They’re both pros, I’m a pro,” Wright said. “They have their job down like I like to think I have mine down.”

The Steelers released kicker Nick Sciba on Tuesday in a move that many thought suggested Boswell’s return was near. Nevertheless, more seasoned than before, Wright is happy to get the chance to his job with the Steelers again.

“I just think the experience of kicking in NFL games is the biggest thing,” Wright said. “Any time I get to kick the ball, I’m happy. Just go out there, do what I do best, and try to put the ball through the uprights.”