Preseason Injury to Bryce Baringer Forces Patriots to Sign Matt Haack

FOXBORO --- The New England Patriots have signed free agent punter Matt Haack, after incumbent starter Bryce Baringer suffered an injury in the team's preseason matchup on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Baringer started against the Eagles, punting twice for 91 yards. He was then replaced by third-string quarterback Behren Morton for the remainder of the game.

"Bryce wasn't feeling great after the first two punts," head coach Mike Vrabel said Saturday after New England's win over Philadelphia. "So, I figured instead of risking anything there with Bryce or with Andy (Borregales), that Behren was able to get us out of there."

Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots punter Bryce Baringer (17) punts the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Vrabel kept it clear on Monday when asked the severity of Baringer's injury.

"Serious enough that we'll probably have to sign a new punter," he said. "It was something that occurred during the game, which is why the quarterback had to punt."

What This Means For Bryce Baringer:

Baringer, heading into a contract year, had been New England's only rostered punter throughout training camp. While the team had brought in tryout players during rookie minicamp and mandatory minicamp, the Patriots opted to roll solely with Baringer in camp.

Last Thursday against the Indianapolis Colts, the 27-year-old had six punts for 309 yards (51.5 yard average).

Dec 21, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Andy Borregales (36) makes a field goal from the hold of punter Bryce Baringer (17) against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

New England also loses a key part of the field goal operation, with Baringer working as the team's holder. Kicker Andy Borregales made all four of his kicks on Saturday (one field goal, three extra-points) working with the full unit. The week prior, with long snapper Julian Ashby injured, Borregales missed three of his six total kicks.

With the severity of Baringer's injury currently unknown, there is a chance Haack only sticks around for the remainder of the preseason. However, if Baringer's injury lingers into the regular season, having a backup punter on Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks and dynamic return man Rashid Shaheed could get messy.

Who Is Matt Haack?

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals punter Matt Haack (39) against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Patriots will be Haack's 10th NFL team he has spent time with, including multiple stints with the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals. The 32-year-old was most recently with the Washington Commanders, spending training camp with them before being waived last Tuesday.

He was present in Monday's practice, wearing No. 19.

Haack appeared in seven games last season with the Arizona Cardinals, where he averaged a boom 51.3 yards per punt, good for third-most in the NFL.

Now in New England, Haack could be a pivotal part of the Patriots' special teams unit early in the regular season if Baringer is unable to play.

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