The Broncos used a sixth-round draft pick in last year's class to acquire Crawshaw's services. During his first professional season, the Australian native booted the third-most punts and tied for third with 30 punts inside the 20-yard line. However, the Broncos coaching staff is looking for more consistency from the second-year specialist, while "limiting the bad punts."

Waitman quietly served as a steady presence for the Pittsburgh Steelers' special teams over the last two seasons. To be fair, the 31-year-old Belgian native took a slight step back in 2025. Waitman's average yards per punt and net punting average decreased. Though his average hang time increased. He also pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line a career-high 34 times. With Cameron Johnston returning to the Steelers, Waitman left and now has the upcoming season to show he can be San Francisco's long-term punter.

Wright signed a four-year deal with the Saints this offseason after four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. The 26-year-old specialist posted career-highs in average yards per punt, net punting average and average hang time during a contract year and benefited. Wright was one of seven punters to average at least 49 yards per punt last season, and he ranked third overall at 44.5 net yards per punt. These increases should dramatically help the Saints' coverage. Though he still needs to prove last year's performance was not a one-year aberration.

After a disappointing start to his career as a draft pick by the New England Patriots, Bailey spent the last three seasons with the Miami Dolphins and became a more consistent performer. Furthermore, he showed some improvement through that latest stretch. Specifically, his best two hang-time averages occurred during the past two campaigns. Bailey may not be among the league's best in any specific area, but his recent play led to the Falcons offering him a three-year contract this past offseason.

Cooke earned his first Pro Bowl nod and became a second-team All-Pro based on his 2024 performance. While Jacksonville experienced greater team success last season, the Jaguars' eight-year punter took a step back. His punting average and net yards per punt both decreased. Obviously the team's offense took a step forward thanks to Trevor Lawrence blossoming into the quarterback everyone originally envisioned. However, Cooke's touchback rate increased, while his average of punts placed inside the 20-yard line decreased. His average hang time was counted among the league's worst, too.

Hekker is no longer the game's best punter and hasn't been for some time. The previous statement does not mean he's no longer a quality option. Although his net punting average was the veteran's lowest since the 2020 campaign. Hekker signed with the Vikings on a one-year deal this offseason. The long-time punter could realistically be pushed by undrafted rookie Brett Thorson, who is the nation's reigning Ray Guy Award winner. Hekker may be the favorite to claim the job, but he needs a little boost after last year.

Considering the Colts' scorching hot offensive start to the 2025 campaign, Sanchez became an afterthought. His first punt didn't occur until the second quarter of Week 3 play. In total, Sanchez's 44 punts were the second-fewest by any punter having played the entire season. When called upon, the Colts specialist pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line on half of his attempts. Indianapolis hopes for a bounceback after its horrific end to last season, though Sanchez should be expected to be more involved this fall.

After four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Pinion joined the Dolphins this offseason. The 32-year-old veteran brings extensive experience for a roster in transition. His greatest asset for Miami this fall is an ability to flip the field. Last season, Pinion led the NFL with 34 punts inside the 20-yard line—which came at a rate of 53 percent of his total attempts—while providing only three touchbacks. Miami's offense is expected to struggle, which makes Pinion's presence vital.

Due to the Eagles' offensive inconsistencies, Mann punted more times last season (72) than in either of his previous two campaigns with the franchise. In fact, his usage increased during each of the last two seasons. A year ago, his 49.9 average yards per punt ranked among the league's top five, though his net punting average landed just outside of the Top 10. Mann can boom kicks, but a little more control could place him among the league's top-tier specialists. Even so, the Eagles did reward their punter with a four-year contract extension this past offseason.