Of all the groups the Patriots need to improve this offseason, special teams should be near the top, specifically the punter. It seemed like they had found their franchise guy in Bryce Baringer, who Bill Belichick drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft.
However, his performance has progressively worsened over the years, and last season was noticeably poor. It got to the point where Patriots fans didn't even want Baringer to take the field on fourth down because his punts were short far too often.
So there are plenty of reasons for them to explore their options in free agency and this year's draft. Or maybe they could follow the Texans' lead and trade for one.
The Patriots might need to explore their options in upgrading their punter
In one of the more unique trades that aren't often done in the NFL, the Texans acquired punter Kai Kroeger from the Saints and sent sixth and seventh-round picks in return.
It wouldn't be a bad idea for Mike Vrabel and Co. to look around the league for a veteran punter who could give them more reliable performances than Baringer has as of late. Ignoring the third unit cannot be a mindset the team adopts, especially since it has historically been one of the best in the league.
They now have a strong talent in their coordinator, Jeremy Springer, who they just signed to an extension. The coaching staff appears to be comfortable with kicker Andy Borregales and long snapper Julian Ashby, which is significant. But the same can't be said about Baringer.
Typically, teams will use late-round picks to select a special teamer, or wait to sign those who go undrafted, and maybe that's the direction the Patriots will go this year. However, the Texans just set a new precedent, and it looks like something New England should at least consider.
It's always better to bring in a veteran with a track record, rather than risking what might happen by throwing a rookie out there in a critical position. Given that the Patriots were just in the Super Bowl and could be contenders again this year, bringing in a trusted name is probably the better route.