During the New York Jets’ season opener, punter Braden Mann suffered a knee sprain that’ll force him to miss roughly four-to-six weeks. As a result, the Jets had to search the open market for a short-term replacement.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Jets have signed former New York Saints punter Thomas Morstead.
Morstead was released by New Orleans in March. It was an emotional split for both side since he was an important member of the Saints for over a decade.
Although he struggled at times during the 2020 season, Morstead mentioned in the offseason that he dealt with an undisclosed back injury. Even with that injury, Morstead felt as if he finished the year on a positive note.
“I was proud of how I battled through,” Morstead said, via NOLA.com. “I wasn’t happy, especially, with the first six or seven games. It was a lot of inconsistency and just in general shorter punts than we’d like.”
Veteran punter Thomas Morstead is signing with the #Jets, source said.
Morstead played 12 seasons with the #Saints and won a Super Bowl. Now, a fresh start in New York, which just lost Braden Mann to a knee injury.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 14, 2021
Morstead finished his Saints career as the franchise’s all-time leader in punts, punting yards and yards per punt. His best days might be behind him, but he’s confident that he can bounce back from an uncharacteristic 2020 season.
“I didn’t have a great year last year, and all I can promise is that I’ll do everything I can to be back where I’m capable.”
The Jets will face the Saints later this year, so there’s a strong chance that Morstead will get to play against his former team.
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