1. Tommy Townsend was insanely good the last couple years.
2. Effective punting, especially with a defense as good as ours, is critical.
3. Matt Araiza was a top candidate at one point, but the Chiefs aren't even his first stop since his acquittal. He had a tryout with the Jets in 2023, and they didn't elect to sign him. So, he either got really good in the past year, or he's probably a replacement-level punter, and the Chiefs need a new one.
4. Forward to 20:00 of Brett Kollman's Q&A video:
That leads to my question:
There's a couple really good punters in this class -- would you invest a pick in one? Would you take your chances in UDFA? Or are you comfortable rolling into the season with a potentially replacement-level punter. [Reply]
Drafting a Kicker is something maybe consider in the 5th onward. Drafting a Punter, on the other hand, is not something I'd ever consider. We don't need either though. [Reply]
Originally Posted by kccrow:
Drafting a Kicker is something maybe consider in the 5th onward. Drafting a Punter, on the other hand, is not something I'd ever consider. We don't need either though.
I know Butker is a FA and will command the same / similar contract to Justin Tucker.
"In 2022, the Ravens signed Tucker to a four-year, $24 million contract extension (with $17.5 million guaranteed)."
2 years down the line from that deal, I'll bet we're looking at a $28MM / $20MM guaranteed across 4 years for Butker.
- SB winning/tying kicks
- SB record setting kick
- AFCCG winning/tying kicks
- Multiple clutch regular season kicks
I think he's probably on track to be a HOF kicker, and I think we hang on to him at least through this next contract window. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Dunerdr:
We have the best punting prospect probably in history on the team already.
Originally Posted by staylor26:
But he tried out for the Jets, and they didn't sign him, so clearly he sucks now!
Originally Posted by Dante84:
I mean we literally have a guy nicknamed Punt God and he's 23 and cost us a pack of bubble gum
I think it would be wise for the team to snag another punter and have them battle it out in camp. I wouldn't put a ton of faith in Araiza. If he was an actual god at punting, he'd be on a roster. [Reply]
