Upgrading punter is quietly one of the more notable needs for the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.
From an outsider’s perspective though, the draft always seemed like the way the Bengals would get this done, partially because teams didn’t figure to let starter-level punters worth investing in hit the open market.
But just ahead of the draft, the New York Jets cut Braden Mann — and that’s worth looking at for the Bengals.
Mann, 25, was a sixth-rounder in 2020 who started the last three years for the Jets. The Jets apparently weren’t able to find trade partners for his services.
Over at PFF, Mann had a 76.8 grade with 29 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. Drue Chrisman, once given a chance, had a 57.5 grade with 13 punts inside the 20.
Mann was punting quite a bit more than Chrisman last year given the difference in their respective offenses, but Chrisman’s struggles really showed up in the playoffs.
The Bengals adding Mann would take a need off the board before the draft, if nothing else.
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