Feb. 28, 2026, 4:30 p.m. CT

Punting has been a big problem for the New Orleans Saints since Thomas Morstead left as a free agent after the 2020 season. Rookie Kai Kroeger, signed last offseason, was the latest to try and replace Morstead. In 2021 and 2022, that responsibility fell on Blake Gillikin. Lou Hedley wasn’t up to the task in 2023, nor was Matthew Hayball in 2024. With each punter brought in by the Saints, the results seemed to worsen. Even with Morstead again available as a free agent last offseason, New Orleans instead went with another rookie. Here were the results.

Kai Kroeger Year in ReviewPosition: PunterAge: 23Height: 6-feet, 3 inchesWeight: 213 poundsNFL experience: 1st year2025 season: 17 games

Over four seasons with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Kroeger averaged 44.6 yards per punt. His 47.8 yard average in 2024 was second in the SEC. Kroeger was considered one of the top punters available in this year’s rookie class. His 11,823 career punting yards are the second most in SEC history.

Originally signed by the New York Jets after going undrafted, Kroeger was released at the beginning of training camp. He was immediately signed by the Saints. Kroeger went on to win the punter job in preseason. He would be the fourth punter for the Saints in the five years since Morstead’s departure.

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Unfortunately for New Orleans, the results were the same. Kroeger had an overall average of 44.8, but his net average was a putrid 37.3 yards. He had 18 of his attempts inside the opposing 20-yard line, a lowly percentage of just 32.1. Kroeger also had 2 punts blocked, most in the NFL.

Kroeger’s 44.8 gross average was 30th in the league. His 37.3 net average ranked 31st. Only two regular punters had fewer kicks downed inside the opponent’s 20. For whatever it’s worth, Morstead had similar struggles. However, Kai Kroeger was simply one of the NFL’s worst punters

Expect New Orleans to have yet another punter in 2026 in the attempt to replace Morstead, a fan favorite. It would be a surprise if Kroeger even made it as far as the opening training camp roster. He epitomized the awful special teams of the New Orleans Saints last season and will almost certainly be one of many changes made.