Punters are sometimes considerably ignored within the building of your group as a result of they don’t rating factors on their very own. They typically are the group’s holder on kicks, although, and while you want a top quality punt, it’s good to have a punter value theeir salt.
We polled a gaggle of writers from round SB Nation to assemble consensus rankings in regards to the accessible gamers.
We are going to take away gamers from the checklist as they re-sign with their present groups all the way in which as much as the opening of free company in March.
8. Ryan Wright, Minnesota Vikings (RFA)
Voted as excessive as 4 on one in every of our ballots, Wright has averaged 41.6 new yards per punt in his three years in Minnesota, however solely received to 40.5 in 2024. With the Proper of First Refusal costing nearly $3.2 million, it’s unlikely Wright can be tendered as a Restricted Free Agent. He turns 25 this offseason. UPDATE: Wright signed a one-year cope with Minnesota
7. JK Scott, Los Angeles Chargers
He obtained a first-place vote on one in every of our ballots, however was manner down on the remainder of the voting sheets. He’s coming off a two-year, $4 million contract and turned 28 through the 2024 season. In his three seasons with the Chargers, he averaged 41.7 web yards per punt. UPDATE: Scott agreed to re-sign with the Chargers.
6. Riley Dixon, Denver Broncos
As excessive as third in our voting, Dixon averaged 42 web yards per punt in 2024, the second-highest of his profession. He turns 32 this offseason, however loads of punters can roll into their mid-30s. He’s ending up a two-year, $3.5 million contract. UPDATE: The Buccaneers signed Dixon to a two-year deal.
5. Ryan Stonehouse, Tennessee Titans (RFA)
Stonehouse had the worst season of his profession in 2024, averaging simply 38.3 web yards per punt after consecutive years over 43. With the Proper of First Refusal costing nearly $3.2 million, it’s unlikely Stonehouse can be tendered as a Restricted Free Agent. He turns 26 this offseason.
4. Jamie Gillan, New York Giants
Coming off a two-year, $4 million deal, Gillan is without doubt one of the youthful punters on our checklist as he turns 28 this July. He’s coming off a season the place he received to only 40.5 web yards per punt however solely notched two touchbacks. UPDATE: Gillan re-signed with the Giants for 3 years.
3. Tress Means, Washington Commanders
A pair of second-place votes, however one other poll at eight. He was the third-highest paid punter within the NFL in 2024 at greater than $3.4 million, finishing a four-year extension. He’s performed each recreation of the final 11 seasons for the Washington franchise since being signed through the 2014 offseason and turns 35 this April. His stats are nearly as good as ever, averaging nearly 43 web yards per try in 2024.
2. Johnny Hekker, Carolina Panthers
Acquired essentially the most first-place votes in our polling, however was additionally seventh on one other poll, so he fell out of the highest spot. His thirty fifth birthday is in February, and he was somewhat of his profession common in 2024 at 41.5 new yards per try. He completed up a three-year, $7.6 million contract. UPDATE: The Titans are loading up on punter, including Hekker.
1. Bryan Anger, Dallas Cowboys
Didn’t obtain a first-place vote, but in addition was second or third on each poll, in order that consistency was why he tops our checklist. The 13-year NFL vet has made the Professional Bowl twice and was named second-team All-Professional twice in his 4 years with the Cowboys. He has six years along with his web common over 41 yards per punt. He’s coming off a three-year, $9 million contract because the fourth-highest paid man within the league. UPDATE: Anger re-signed in Dallas for 2 years.
Not too long ago launched punters
Sam Martin
The Payments launched their punter to save lots of cap house, positive, however Martin was additionally fairly pedestrian in 2024. He’ll be in somebody’s camp as a veteran backstop, however most groups can do higher. UPDATE: Martin signed with the Panthers.
Jack Browning
After signing Riley Dixon in free company, the Bucs parted methods with Browning. He performed in 5 video games for Tampa in 2024 =. He’s solely 23 and can possible be in camp someplace.
Free agent punters who had been signed to new offers
- Jamie Gillan re-upped with the Giants for 3 years
- Ryan Wright signed a one-year deal to remain in Minnesota
- JK Scott signed a brand new cope with the Chargers
- Riley Dixon agreed to phrases with the Buccaneers
- Sam Martin agreed to phrases with the Panthers
- The Titans have signed Johnny Hekker
- The Cowboys re-signed Bryan Anger
- Austin McNamara signed a cope with the Jets
