Giants' Stout Punts Past Special Teams Struggles

0:00It's March 29th. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI tracking teams, players, and standings. The New York Giants just leveled up their special teams game by signing Punter Jordan Stout from the Ravens. After four solid seasons there, this do's turned into a pro-bowl level talent with a cannon for a leg. New Head Coach John Harbaugh, who cut his teeth as a special teams coordinator, is all about fixing the Giants' wheat punting over the last five years. Stout's arrival flips the script, turning special teams into a real edge. Stout's got that booming power you dream about. Last season, he averaged just over 50 yards per punt, only dipping under 50 in two games. We're talking bombs like 63 yards against Detroit, 64 against Miami, and a monster 74 yarder versus the Jets. That kind of distance pins opponents deep and sets up the defense nice. What really sets him apart is his pinpoint placement. For 231 career punts, he's landed 100 inside the 20 yard line, but just 24 touchbacks.

1:03That's elite 43 percent, inside the 20, 10 percent touchbacks. He angles kicks to the sideline, forcing returns out of bounds or trapping guys in corners without outkicking coverage. The one knock, he only punted 53 times last year, his lowest ever, which bumped his average to a career high 50.1 yards. Could be luck from a strong Raven's offense, or maybe high volume wears punches down, and like the giant's old guy, Jamie Gillan, who hit 70 or 90, punt some seasons and faded. Still, Stout's first three years were strong too, so no panic. Less you see of Stout, the better the giant's offense is rolling, but when he steps up, that field flipping skill seals his deal. Harbott targeted this exact upgrade to kill those old field position gifts to foes, expect special teams to shine now.