Late last week, the Patriots parted ways with 2020 All-Pro punter Jake Bailey. Less than a week later Bailey has found a new team, and should have a chance to kick at Gillette Stadium again this fall.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bailey is signing with the Miami Dolphins. This comes after Bailey visited with the team on Tuesday.
Bailey had an up-and-down career in New England. A fifth-round pick in 2019, he beat out incumbent Ryan Allen – who the team had just signed to a contract extension – for the starting job in training camp. After a promising rookie year, Bailey was the best punter in football during the 2020 season averaging 45.6 net yards per punt.
However, Bailey never returned to form after that season. He was inconsistent while dealing with injuries in 2021, then ranked towards the bottom of the league in most major punting categories through the first nine games in 2022. He was placed on IR with a back injury in late November, and didn’t return.
Late in the season, Bailey was suspended by the team. According to reports, that suspension due to “to differing viewpoints on if Bailey was ready to return to game action.” Bailey had appealed the suspension.
Prior to being released, Bailey was the only punter on the Patriots’ roster. His replacement from last year, Michael Palardy, is now a free agent. The Patriots will need to add a punter this offseason. It’s a strong year for the position in the draft, with Michael Turk from Oklahoma, Adam Korsak from Rutgers, and Bryce Baringer from Michigan State names to know.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
Jake Bailey is reportedly staying in the AFC East
