South Carolina All-American signs new NFL deal

South Carolina All-American punter Kai Kroeger signed with the New York Jets after going undrafted this April. However, the Jets quietly released the former Gamecock earlier this month. Now, Kroeger is back in the League. According to an announcement on Thursday from the team, the New Orleans Saints have signed Kroeger as part of their ongoing punter competition.

Kroeger will join fellow rookie and former Alabama punter James Burnip and former Vanderbilt punter Matthew Hayball in the competition. Back in 2022, Kroeger beat out both Burnip and Hayball for All-SEC first-team honors. Then, in 2023, both Burnip and Hayball made the All-SEC team after an injury-plagued year for Kroeger. With Hayball in the NFL in 2024, Kroeger again beat out Hayball for first-team honors last fall.

With the Saints, Kroeger will reunite with South Carolina teammates Spencer Rattler and Torricelli Simpkins. Rattler, a fifth-round pick of the organization in 2024, is believed to be one of two favorites to win the starting quarterback job this fall, along with rookie Tyler Shough. Simpkins was an undrafted free agent pick-up this spring and is vying for a roster spot.

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During his South Carolina football career, Kai Kroeger was one of the best special teamers in program history. A two-time All-American, Kroeger owns the Gamecock record for games played (61), had the best season from a USC punter ever in 2024 (47.8 yards per punt), and is second all-time in punting average (44.6 yards per punt). Known for his ability to help the offense via fake punts and kicks, Kroeger threw three first downs, three touchdowns, and several other 2-point conversions. He also delivered a successful drop-kick onside kick against Alabama.

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