The New England Patriots are making a change at the punter position.
Bryce Baringer, who had played the role since his arrival in 2023, is being released by the team. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was first to report the move.
Baringer, 27, originally joined the Patriots as a sixth-round selection in the 2023 draft. The Michigan State product went on to appear in all 55 possible regular season and playoff games over his first three years with the club, serving a dual role as punter as well as holder on field
goal and extra point tries.
In total, Baringer punted the ball 247 times for an average of 47.1 yards per kick. Subtracting opponents’ returns, his net punting average stands at 40.6 yards a punt.
Baringer entered the 2026 season as the featured option at the position, but he suffered an undisclosed injury in the second preseason game. The move eventually prompted the Patriots to sign veteran free agent Mitch Wishnowsky and place the incumbent on injured reserve. Now healthy again, Baringer will not be activated to the active roster but instead let go by the team.
Wishnowsky has played all seven of New England’s games so far this season. He has punted 22 times for an average of 47.1 yards with a net of 41.2.
The 4-3 Patriots will travel to Miami this week to take on the 1-5 Dolphins.
