The Miami Dolphins crammed their punter emptiness on Friday by signing veteran Thomas Morstead, in response to a league supply.
Mostead, 36, a longtime New Orleans Saints punter, visited Dolphins amenities on Wednesday earlier than deciding to affix the staff on Friday.
Signing the veteran offers Miami one fewer staff want going into draft later this month. Earlier than pursuing Morstead, it was conceivable the Dolphins had been set to make use of considered one of their 4 draft picks, with two within the seventh spherical, on a university punting prospect.
Morstead spent the primary 12 of his 13 NFL seasons in New Orleans, the place he was teammates with Dolphins’ free-agent left deal with acquisition Terron Armstead. Morstead is a one-time Professional Bowl choice, in 2012, whereas successful a Tremendous Bowl that occurred in South Florida as a member of the 2009 Saints.
Then a rookie for New Orleans, Morstead will be largely credited for turning the momentum within the Saints’ favor in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts at Exhausting Rock Stadium along with his memorable onside kick to begin the second half. Trailing 10-6 on the time, the Saints went on to win the Tremendous Bowl, 31-17.
He cut up time in 2021 between the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets, taking part in in seven video games apiece for every staff. Regardless of the 2 groups going through the Dolphins a mixed 3 times final season, he didn't punt in opposition to Miami.
Morstead owns a profession common of 46.6 yards on his punts.
The signing means the Dolphins are shifting on from Michael Palardy, a Margate native and St. Thomas Aquinas Excessive alum, as punter. Palardy, a free agent who was not re-signed, struggled early within the season however discovered his groove within the second half. He posted a 44.7 yards-per-punt common, and he and gunner Mack Hollins mixed to down a number of balls in near opponents’ aim strains.
Hollins, additionally a large receiver, was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. Dolphins free-agent acquisitions of cornerback Keion Crossen and vast receiver Trent Sherfield can fill that void on particular groups.
Morstead turns into the oldest participant on Miami’s roster, surpassing defensive deal with John Jenkins, 32, who re-signed with the staff on Thursday.
On Friday, the Dolphins additionally introduced in linebacker Reuben Foster for a exercise.
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