When the Kansas City Chiefs cannot get their offense moving, every missed scoring chance becomes harder to overlook.

This was part of the frustration in Kansas City’s loss to Seattle, where Harrison Butker failed to convert two field goals and left Patrick Mahomes with even more ground to make up.

Butker’s struggles have now raised a bigger question about his place on the team, and a heated exchange between Skip Bayless and a former Denver Broncos star shows just how divided opinions have become.

Aqib Talib Challenges Skip Bayless Over Harrison Butker’s Future

During their discussion following Kansas City’s 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Aqib Talib criticized Bayless for not placing enough blame on Butker. Talib argued that the missed kicks were not minor mistakes, as they cost the Chiefs points and made a potential late comeback more difficult.

“I’m surprised you ain’t talking about Butker more. Like, because he sucked,” Talib said, before explaining how successful kicks could have changed the scoreboard.

Talib argued that converting those opportunities would have given Mahomes and the offense a better chance to make the game competitive.

Bayless pushed back on Talib’s criticism, arguing that a 58-yard field goal is far from automatic and suggesting Butker simply did not have enough leg on the attempt.

Talib was equally direct about what he expects from an NFL kicker. “If you can’t make 58 yarders in the NFL, it’s time to move on,” he said. “Everybody else can make them.”

He also questioned Kansas City’s inability to capitalize on its chances, adding, “That’s how you’re going to beat Seattle. You’re not going to come blow these guys out. You gotta score when you get the opportunity to score. Butker was smoking [expletive] last night.”

The criticism comes during a difficult season for Butker, who has converted 11 of 16 field goal attempts in 2026, including just two of six from 50 yards or longer.

Against Seattle, he missed a 58-yard attempt before halftime and pushed a 45-yard kick wide right in the fourth quarter.

Kansas City, which ranks 8th on PFN NFL Offense Impact Metric, has already taken a step toward addressing the problem by signing former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to its practice squad.

Tucker reportedly went 30-for-30 during his workout and could be elevated to play as early as Sunday, giving the Chiefs another option if Butker’s struggles continue.

However, moving on from Butker would carry a substantial financial cost. His four-year, $25.6 million extension, signed in August 2024, includes $17.75 million in guaranteed money.

Releasing him during the 2026 season would leave Kansas City with roughly $10 million in dead cap, according to Over The Cap, but it’s more likely that Butker gets released after the season.

Coach Andy Reid has acknowledged that Butker needs to improve, saying he is “off a bit, so got to fix it.”

With the Chiefs pursuing another championship, the team must decide whether to give its veteran kicker more time or make a change.