DeathByLinebacker Posted February 20, 2003 Share Posted February 20, 2003 http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2003/0220/1511724.html Punter Hentrich stands out among TitansLast year, it was place kickers who earned two "designations" before the start of free agency, but this time around, it is punters who are getting the attention. League and team sources have confirmed that the Tennessee Titans will designate standout punter Craig Hentrich a "transition" free agent before Thursday 4 p.m.'s ET deadline, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports. Hentrich becomes the second punter designated with the tag after the Carolina Panthers used the "franchise" tag on Todd Sauerbrun on Wednesday evening. The goal of the Titans is to reach a long-term agreement with Hentrich but, absent that, they retain the right to have any offer sheet he signs with another team. The "transition" tag carries a price tag of $1.34 million, the average 2002 salary cap number for the league's 10 highest paid punters. The move further illustrates the importance of special teams to many franchises. In 2002 kickers Jason Elam of Denver and Adam Vinatieri of New England were tagged as "franchise" players. A nine-year veteran, Hentrich ranked fifth in the league in 2002 with an average of 41.9 yards per punt. Panthers tag Todd Sauerbrun The Carolina Panthers designated punter Todd Sauerbrun as their franchise player, meaning they must pay the two-time Pro Bowl selection $1.47 million this season. The Panthers told Sauerbrun's new agent, David Canter, they will be using the franchise tag. It's the first time the Panthers have used the tag. "We wanted to keep Todd around and we felt this was the right thing to do at this time," general manager Marty Hurney said. By using the tag on Sauerbrun, the Panthers basically are assured the league's top punter will return next season. It would take two first-round draft picks as compensation to pry Sauerbrun away from the Panthers, an unlikely price any team would pay. If the Panthers hadn't used the tag on Sauerbrun by Thursday, he would have become an unrestricted free. "Todd has been a valuable weapon for us on special teams and we felt we couldn't let him get away," coach John Fox said. Hurney said the Panthers still hope to sign Sauerbrun to a long-term deal before the start of the season. But one complication is Sauerbrun's need to switch agents. The NFL Players Association recently revoked the privileges of Steve Weinberg, Sauerbrun's former representative. Sauerbrun has said he wants to be the league's highest-paid punter, which would mean a contract in excess of $1.7 million per year. Sauerbrun, a former second-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears, has rebounded from a shaky start in the NFL to lead the league the past two seasons in punting average. He represented the Panthers in the Pro Bowl both seasons. Looks like Spurrier isn't the only guy who realizes the real value of a good punter. So much for us getting a good one from Free Agency though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Invisible Poster Posted February 20, 2003 Share Posted February 20, 2003 I was hoping that this wouldn't happen, the only two good punters are gone. Now we have to get a punter via the draft. :mad: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckeyeG Posted February 20, 2003 Share Posted February 20, 2003 WHY IS IT SO HARD TO FIND A GUY TO PUNT IT 40+ YARDS!!:gus: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeathByLinebacker Posted February 20, 2003 Author Share Posted February 20, 2003 Good question RUready. What I don't understand is why so many that can do just that in college can't do it in the NFL. What is different about punting from one level to the next? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
@DCGoldPants Posted February 20, 2003 Share Posted February 20, 2003 the ballz I guess. Bigger Ballz in the NFL. Either way, I like Spurrier's approach here. Bring a lot of K/P in and let them fight it out through the preseason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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