Report: Patriots Hosting Rookie Punter For Free Agent Workout

The New England Patriots have an excellent punter on the roster. Jake Bailey has all the talent head coach Bill Belichick needs to make the Super Bowl this season. However, the head coach is trying to evaluate other options.

New England hosted undrafted rookie punter Alex Kinney for a free agent workout. Aaron Wilson from the Houston Chronicle confirmed the information.

The Patriots may need another punter

The Patriots have a good punter in Bailey but they still insist on working out another punter. Bailey earned two AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in his rookie season. Why did the Patriots evaluate another punter? Belichick is trying to add depth at every position. This is more than important for the upcoming season and Belichick has to be prepared for every scenario.

If Bayley and other Patriots specialist returns with positive tests, Belichick would have to find an instant replacement. This answers all the questions related to the Patriots’ willingness to add another punter or kicker to the practice squad. The group will go from 10 to 16 players this season.

Kinney was a four-year starter at Colorado. He played in 54 games for the team and averaged 44.4 yards per punt in his senior year in 2019. NFL teams didn’t select him in the 2020 NFL Draft and he has yet to ink a deal with a pro team.

Belichick will have to shrink the roster from 80 players to 53 by Saturday. The regular-season opener will take place next Sunday. The Patriots are playing the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.

It turns out the Patriots worked out other specialists. They had punters Tyler Newsome and Justin Vogel, long snappers Scott Daly and Colton Taylor too.

Head coach Belichick is determined to make an impact and it looks like he has enough talent to enter his first season without the GOAT. Belichick has another big decision to make. New England has to choose between Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer, and Cam Newton. Who will start games as QB1?