It’s been seven years since the Washington Commanders had one kicker for a full season who finished above the league average in field goal percentage.Seven. Years.In the span since Dustin Hopkins made 83.3 percent of his field goal attempts in 2019, Washington’s NFL team has rebranded twice, changed its uniforms at least three times, started nearly a dozen quarterbacks, hired two head coaches, had a change in ownership and broken ground on a new stadium in D.C. And yet, the franchise is still searching for that consistent specialist to spell the offense and do what so many kickers now do routinely: hit 50-plus-yard field goals with consistency.As the Commanders have tried to build a playoff contender around Jayden Daniels, the focus this offseason has inevitably — and rightfully — been on revamping the defense and adding offensive help around the young quarterback. But one less-heralded signing has a chance to not just earn a roster spot, but also have a significant impact on how far the Commanders go this season.Kicker Drew Stevens, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound undrafted rookie out of Iowa, signed with Washington after the draft and will compete with incumbent Jake Moody for a spot on the initial 53-man roster. The team re-signed Moody to a one-year deal in March after acquiring him during the season amid issues with former kicker Matt Gay.Kicker is one of multiple jobs up for grabs in Washington, but it could be one of the most impactful — for better or worse.At a time when special teams are significantly influencing the outcomes of games, and when kickers are proving their value well beyond routine 33-yard extra-point attempts, Washington’s shortcomings at the position have been costly.The value of the 40-yard kick, a specialty of Hopkins’ in his seven seasons in Washington, has diminished. Kickers are bigger, stronger and arriving at the pro level with more specialized training.Last season, NFL kickers made 68.8 percent of their field goal attempts from at least 50 yards out, up from 56.7 percent a decade ago. And with greater success, coaches have seemingly had greater confidence in attempting the longer kicks; the league totaled 266 attempts from at least 50 yards and 22 attempts from at least 60 yards last season, up from 182 and nine attempts just five years ago.