The Atlanta Falcons should bring back Thomas Morstead next season
By Nick Halden
Joining the myriad of issues on the Atlanta Falcons roster was the punter position early on this season. Atlanta couldn’t find a consistent option bouncing between two different punters due to performance and injuries.
Injuries forced Atlanta to attempt to find a third option at punter late in the season and the Falcons opted to sign former Saints punter Thomas Morstead. Morstead came in and steadied the position averaging 47.2-yards-per-punt.
Steadying the position and proving he had plenty left in the tank Morstead was one of the more impressive Falcons down the stretch.
The Atlanta Falcons should bring back the veteran punter early on this off-season and leave one less problem to fix
To say Atlanta has a lot of roster issues to focus on this off-season is an understatement. Finding an answer at punter may be one of the less pressing off-season moves but it is one Atlanta can solve quickly and with continuity.
Morstead had a great career with New Orleans and has shown with the Jets and Falcons he still has plenty left in the tank. Signing Morstead may not solve the position long term but for at least another season Atlanta could use the veteran consistency.
There is also the consideration that Morstead held kicks for Younghoe Koo and did so perfectly. Keeping the duo of Koo and Morstead together answers any questions about Atlanta’s kicking game next season.
Morstead will be headed into his 15th year and is unlikely to be a sought-after free agent. Allowing Atlanta to sign the veteran for a bargain deal early on in free agency.
Wide receiver, pass rusher, offensive line, and punter will be the positions Atlanta must address in free agency along with running back if they are unable to retain Cordarrelle Patterson. Signing Thomas Morstead isn’t a flashy move but it is the right one for a team with a lot of questions heading into the off-season.