Credit: Stephen Lew
By Ross Jackson
Punter has been a revolving door for the New Orleans Saints since they moved on from long-standing legend Thomas Morstead in 2021.
Since then, the Saints have had three punters in four years and are on the verge of having a fourth in five.
2021, 2022 – Blake Gillikin
2023 – Lou Hedley
2024 – Matthew Hayball
New Orleans was so interested in changing punters this offseason that the club brought in two to compete with the incumbent leg of Matthew Hayball. Alabama punter James Burnip was brought in after the draft as a priority free agent. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Kai Kroeger was brought in a few weeks into camp.
Despite having three punters battle for the role, the Saints were reportedly still looking for other options.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Saints called the Pittsburgh Steelers to check in on punter Corliss Waitman.
Waitman would go on to win the Steelers’ punter competition instead. That now leaves the Saints with Kroeger or continuing to pursue other options. However, it’s not the greatest showing of confidence that even with three punters in the building, New Orleans was still having to seek outside options.
Perhaps Kroeger’s assumed path to the starting punter job after Burnip was waived at roster cuts isn’t promised.
More New Orleans Saints
