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In the wake of Chris Jones dominating the headlines regarding his mouthwatering new deal, punter Tommy Townsend has signed with the upcoming Houston Texans.
Although the offseason is mainly focused on the big star players hitting free agency and franchises trading roster talent.
Numerous other deals receive little media attention.
Townsend departs for Texas
The two-time Super Bowl champion Tommy Townsend hit free agency and was quickly snatched up by the Houston Texans.
Townsend signed a two-year deal worth $6 million yesterday.
Special teams players are one of the lowest-paid positions in the NFL but can be decisive in determining the outcome of games.
The Kansas City Chiefs punter kicked the ball away in the last 3 minutes of the 3rd quarter in Super Bowl LVIII. A muffed return saw the Chiefs scoop up the ball to set up their first touchdown and lead of the game.
Harrison Butker nailed a last-minute field goal to send Super Bowl LVIII to overtime.
Small factors like these can turn the scales of the match in their favor.
Moreover, the 27-year-old was an undrafted rookie in 2020 – special teamers are not a premium position.
Undrafted to a Super Bowl winner
On reflection, this was an excellent pick-up by the Chiefs and special teams coordinator David Toub.
The Florida native has earned an impressive portfolio: Two Super Bowl rings (2022,2023), First Team All-Pro (2022), a 2022 Pro Bowl appearance, and an induction into the 2020 Pro Football Writers Associations All-Rookie team.
Pat McAfee, a former punter for the Indianapolis Colts, took to X to show his reaction to the news, he posted: “HOLY ___… HUGE PUNTING MOVE.”
McAfee could not hide his excitement to see a fellow punter receiver a huge move with respectable coverage.
Matt Araiza time
Kansas City added punter Matt Araiza to the roaster in February, seemingly in preparation of losing Townsend.
Araiza is a highly-rated punter and will now take up the kicking responsibilities after Townsend’s departure.
Ultimately, the Chiefs have a well-thought-out plan in place and the man dubbed the ‘Punt God’ in college will be the successor.