Free agency for snappers was typical this year, with veteran snappers
deciding to re-sign with their clubs. Unrestricted free agents Lonie
Paxton (Patriots) and Nate Hodel (Cardinals) each re-signed with
their teams, with Paxton signing a one-year deal, while Hodel's deal
was for four years. Restricted free agents Greg Warren (Steelers)
and Matt Katula (Ravens) were each tendered one-year deals to stay
with their teams, while potential restricted free agent John Denney
of the Dolphins signed a new contract with Miami through 2010 at the
end of last season.
Jeff Robinson, who came out of retirement at the end of last season
to snap for the Seahawks, will not be back and the Giants have
decided not to re-sign veteran Ryan Kuehl, who is an unrestricted
free agent. The Packers may also be moving in a different direction
by adding street free agent Thomas Gafford, as longsnap.com
contributor Rob Davis is considering retirement. The Jaguars re-signed client Brett Goode who will compete with veteran Joe Zelenka.
Bob Gretz, who writes for the Kansas City Chiefs team website,
recently compiled his own rankings of the top special teams units
based on eight different criteria, including field goal and PAT
percentage, gross and net punting and kick returns and kick
coverage. According to his rankings, the Chargers had the top
special teams units, ranking in the top half of every category except
for punt coverage. After the Chargers, the 49ers, Patriots, Packers
and Bears were the next four at the top. The worst ranked unit was
the Cardinals, with the Colts, Lions, Eagles and Giants the next four
from the bottom.
Chargers special teams coach Steve Crosby was recently honored by
being selected as the 2007 NFL Special Teams Coach by Professional
Kicking Services, Inc. Crosby will receive an award at a ceremony on
April 1 in Reno, Nevada, where free agent kickers and punters will
also perform for NFL scouts.
The next issue of News and Notes will be available on Tuesday, April
29 and will include the latest snapping developments following the
NFL Draft.
