Punter OK with sitting on his hands
New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead isn’t about to complain about what could be a record lack of opportunities this season. He’s having fun watching from the sidelines as Drew Brees and company threaten to score the most points in a season in NFL history.
Morstead said the main challenge is staying sharp and ready. And because he serves as his own agent, he’s also keenly aware he’s getting paid more per punt, which only increases pressure to strike the ball with the right power and precision whenever New Orleans does need him to come through.
“You sharpen your sword by continually being tested, and when you don’t get opportunities to get tested, it’s hard to keep your sword sharp,” said Morstead, who has punted just 24 times in 11 games.
The record for fewest punts in a season is 34 by the 1990 Houston Oilers, known for their prolific run-and-shoot offense.
Morstead called punting so infrequently “a major challenge.”
“I’m just always staying ready, being patient,” he said. “I’m not rooting to punt a lot. It’s good that we’re scoring, and it’s been a lot of fun to be a part of this team.”
This past offseason, Morstead signed a five-year extension worth about $20 million, with $9 million guaranteed. If he plays out the entire contract, it’ll average about $4 million per season. So if the Saints wind up punting a record-low 33 times, he’ll be paid about $121,000 per punt this season.