The New England Patriots have reportedly agreed to terms on a four-year deal with rookie punter Bryce Baringer, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Baringer’s name was called off the 2023 NFL draft board with the No. 192 overall pick in the sixth round. He was the second specialist taken by the Patriots on Day 3. The team also traded up in the fourth round to get kicker Chad Ryland.
A move at punter was likely with Jake Bailey being released back in March. Bailey struggled throughout the 2022 season after being made one of the top-three highest-paid punters in the league.
Two more Patriots draft picks agree to terms: Punter Bryce Baringer (sixth round, No. 192) and WR Demario Douglas (sixth round, No. 210).
Baringer terms expected to be four years/$4.01 million, with Douglas four years/$3.97 million.
All rookie deals are slotted.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 11, 2023
The hope is that the Patriots’ punting struggles improve with a fresh leg on special teams. Baringer was averaging 49 yards per kick in his final season with Michigan State.
Now, he’ll have a chance to replicate that success at the next level in New England.
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