:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69089594/1177258507.0.jpg)
As far as free agent acquisitions go, the Dallas Cowboys seemed to be more focus on their defense than anything this offseason. We have seen the team add a number of safeties and defensive linemen, but what’s more is that they also made sure to tend to their special teams group.
The Cowboys retained ace C.J. Goodwin which is important for the special teams side of the ball, and they also signed long-snapper Jake McQuaide to take over for longtime veteran L.P. Ladouceur.
We have seen the Cowboys place a larger emphasis on special teams over the course of the last year since they hired coordinator John Fassel to run things. In a years time his mark has been made and now it is really showing up in terms of roster decisions.
The Dallas Cowboys are signing punter Bryan Anger to a one-year deal
As noted, the Cowboys will have a new long-snapper in 2021, although they definitely will not have a new kicker as that job is Greg Zuerlein’s.
It has made sense for the Cowboys to get a new punter over the last few years, and that idea was formalized this offseason when the team moved on from Chris Jones. Hunter Niswander got an opportunity to punt last season, but it appears that some competition is desired here. On Wednesday, it was reported by NFL Network that the Cowboys are signing punter Bryan Anger to a one-year deal.
#Cowboys are signing P Bryan Anger to a one-year deal, sources say. Joins Hunter Niswander on the roster after Chris Jones was released last month.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 7, 2021
Bryan Anger has bounced around in the NFL since originally being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012 (more on that in a minute). He has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and as of late was punting for the Houston Texans.
Anger has averaged over 46 yards per punt in each of his last two seasons (which was his time in Houston). If you are wondering, Chris Jones never averaged 46 yards per punt during his time with the Cowboys. Improving in this department was never going to be difficult.
Anger was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012. You will recall that he served as the inspiration for Rich Eisen’s famed “punters are people, too!” line. He is now a member of the Dallas Cowboys.