The Chargers are changing punters, as the club has signed veteran Donnie Jones to replace Drew Kaser, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
Jones, 38, originally announced his retirement from the Eagles in February, but later decided he wanted to continue his lengthy NFL career. Philadelphia then released him from the reserve/retired list, giving Jones the opportunity to find another team. Jones, who hadn’t garnered any other known free agent interest, was solid in 2017, ranking 15th in yards per punt average and 16th in net average. He also placed 35.1 percent of his punts inside of the 20-yard line.
The Chargers’ special teams unit is among the league’s worst. Per Football Outsiders’ metrics, the bolts rank 31st in overall special teams and dead last in punts. Ouch! Kaser, who had been the Chargers punter since 2016, ranks 31st in net punting average. Because he’s not a vested veteran, Kaser will hit the waiver wire, but it seems unlikely he’ll be claimed given his struggles. The good news for the Chargers is that they can hopefully turn things around in the kicking game soon.