The New England Patriots have reportedly finalized a deal with seasoned punter Matt Haack. This strategic acquisition follows an unfortunate incident in which the team's current punter, Bryce Baringer, was forced to exit a preseason victory against the Philadelphia Eagles due to an injury. The move underscores the Patriots' commitment to maintaining a robust special teams roster, especially as the regular season approaches.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had previously indicated to the media that the team was actively seeking to bring in a new punter to address the void left by Baringer's injury. Haack's signing is a direct response to this need, providing the team with an experienced option to fill the crucial role. His presence is expected to offer stability and consistency to the Patriots' kicking game.
Haack, at 32 years old, has an extensive professional background, having spent nine seasons in the NFL. Most recently, he was with the Washington Commanders during their offseason as a temporary replacement for Tress Way, before his release last week. In the previous season, while playing for the Arizona Cardinals, Haack demonstrated his capabilities by punting 25 times across seven games, achieving an impressive average of 51.3 yards per punt and a net average of 43.4 yards.
Throughout his career, Haack has participated in 110 games, executing 478 punts. His career averages stand at 45.0 yards per punt and 39.9 net yards per punt. He has served as a full-time starter for six of his nine NFL seasons, showcasing his durability and consistent performance. His resume includes stints with the Miami Dolphins (2017-20), Buffalo Bills (2021), Indianapolis Colts (2022), Cleveland Browns (2023), New York Giants (2024), and the Arizona Cardinals. This rich history across multiple franchises highlights his adaptability and proven ability to perform at a high level in various team environments.
This signing is a critical development for the Patriots, ensuring that they have a reliable specialist in place as they prepare for the upcoming season, particularly in light of recent injury setbacks.