In some ways, punters are like batteries (or socks). You never want to pay any money for one or two until you realize the ones you have don't function very well. If you're looking for a Philadelphia Eagles comparison, there was a tendency to tolerate what was average because the offense has been so good at times. That all went out the window after watching Arryn Siposs shank one in a Super Bowl.
Philly tried to put a little pressure on Siposs last season with something called 'Legatron'. Then, we learned during training camp that Ty Zentner was actually worse than Siposs was. Enter Braden Mann to rescue us.
Philly originally added Mann to the scout team (September 18th) before promoting him to the active roster on October 12th. He turned out to be one of the better signings made last season. He even threw a 28-yard completion to Olamide Zaccheaus for a first down (albeit in a loss).
Mann got some good news recently. So did Birds fans. It looks like one of the games best punters is sticking around for a while.
Eagles extend Braden Mann for two more years.
Adam Caplan reports the Eagles are signing Braden Mann to a two-year, $4.2 million extension. It carries a max value of $5 million, and $2.775 million is guaranteed. Another wise move comes from the wise man, Howie Roseman.
Mann averaged 43.8 yards per boot last season. Arryn Siposs, in three seasons with Philly, never averaged more than 38.7 yards per punt. We could stop there, but we'll continue.
Only one of Mann's 44 punts last season resulted in a touchback while 15 others were downed inside the opposing team's 20-yard line. Let's make long stories short. This was a great move by the Eagles' organization.
We just have one complaint. Why in the heck is this guy wearing DeSean Jackson's jersey number? It just doesn't feel right seeing the Number 10 jersey on a punter.