Ka'imi Fairbairn

Career StatsB+

Year	Team	GP	FG%
Career		92	87.6%
2025		15	91.7%
2024		17	85.7%
2023		12	96.4%
2022		17	93.5%
2021

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Texans locked up a reliable leg at a reasonable price, with Ka'imi Fairbairn's two-year, $13M extension representing solid value for an above-average starter at the position. While $6.5M AAV puts Fairbairn in the upper tier of kicker salaries, his consistent production justifies the investment for a franchise that's finally building something meaningful in Houston. At 30 years old, Fairbairn is entering his prime kicking years rather than decline phase, and his track record of clutch kicks gives the Texans confidence in high-leverage situations. The heavy guaranteed money ($11.1M of $13M) shows real commitment, but the short term length protects Houston from long-term risk if his accuracy dips. This B+ CVI reflects smart roster building — the Texans identified a position of strength and secured it without breaking the bank, allowing them to allocate bigger money toward skill positions as they continue their rebuild around C.J. Stroud.

Performance Analysis

Ka'imi Fairbairn enters his 10th NFL season as one of the league's most reliable placekickers, having established himself as a cornerstone of the Houston Texans' special teams unit since joining the franchise. The 32-year-old veteran has earned a B+ performance grade through a decade of consistent production, ranking among the upper tier of NFL kickers despite playing his entire career with a franchise that has experienced significant organizational turbulence. Fairbairn's longevity and steady performance have made him a rare constant for Houston, providing stability at a position where many teams struggle to find consistency. His track record speaks to both his technical precision and mental fortitude in high-pressure situations. Fairbairn's elite 91.7% field goal accuracy this season places him well above the NFL average of 85.0% and approaches the elite benchmark of 93.0%, showcasing the leg strength and precision that have defined his career. This accuracy rate demonstrates his ability to convert scoring opportunities at a rate that directly impacts game outcomes, particularly crucial for a Texans team that often finds itself in close contests. His range and reliability from various distances have made him one of the more trusted kickers in the league, with coaches showing confidence in his ability to attempt kicks that might be questionable for less accomplished specialists. The consistency he's maintained across different weather conditions and stadium environments further underscores his professional approach to the position. Looking ahead, Fairbairn's recent season trend shows encouraging signs, improving from a C- grade in 2024 to an A- this season, suggesting he's adapted well to any mechanical adjustments or new circumstances. At 32, he remains in the prime years for NFL kickers, with several productive seasons likely ahead if he maintains his current form and health. His trajectory points toward continued reliability for Houston as they build around their young offensive core, making him a valuable veteran presence in what should be competitive AFC South battles.

Current Sentiment

Ka'imi Fairbairn enters 2026 with solidly positive standing in the league, evidenced by his recent elevation to highest-paid kicker status and consistent Special Teams Player of the Week recognition. The contract extension signals strong organizational confidence and validates his B+ on-field performance as reliable and above-average for the position. Media coverage has been uniformly favorable, focusing on his achievement and consistency rather than controversy, which reflects genuine respect for his decade-long NFL tenure and steady production. As a veteran kicker with proven clutch-game capability (evidenced by his recent record-tying performance), Fairbairn is viewed as a dependable specialist rather than a flashy star, positioning him as a valued roster asset without the scrutiny elite positions face. Fan and media perception appears aligned with his actual production grade—neither inflated by hype nor diminished by negativity bias—placing him squarely in the 'respected, trusted starter' category for 2026.