Kroeger Lands with New Orleans After Jets Stint

Former South Carolina Punter Bolsters Saints’ Special Teams

The New Orleans Saints have signed punter **Kroeger**, a move that brings a highly decorated collegiate leg to the team’s special teams unit. **Kroeger**, a 6-3, 213-pounder, spent the offseason with the New York Jets after they acquired him as a free agent post-2025 NFL Draft.

A Gamecock Legend

Hailing from Lake Forest, Illinois, **Kroeger** established himself as a standout punter during his five-year tenure with the South Carolina Gamecocks (2020-2024). He finished his collegiate career with 265 punts for an impressive 11,823 yards, averaging 44.6 yards per punt.

His remarkable consistency saw 100 of those punts land inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. **Kroeger** earned both All-SEC and All-America accolades in both 2022 and 2024, showcasing his elite talent. Notably, he also demonstrated versatility, completing 7-of-10 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns. His powerful leg is credited with four of the Gamecocks’ 11 punts of 70 yards or more since 1979.

Record-Setting Career

**Kroeger’s** impact extended beyond punting statistics. He appeared in 61 games for South Carolina, a mark that ties the school record for most games played. His 11,823 career punting yards also placed him second all-time in SEC history.

In his senior season, **Kroeger** was a first-team All-SEC selection and a semifinalist for the prestigious Ray Guy Award, given annually to the nation’s top punter. That year, he averaged 47.8 yards on 47 punts, with a long of 75 yards.

The NFL’s average starting field position after a punt in 2023 was the 20-yard line, highlighting the importance of a punter who can consistently pin opponents deep, a skill **Kroeger** has demonstrated throughout his career. This ability to flip field position can be a significant advantage for any team’s defense.