Packers sign punter Mandell

By foxsports
Published

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Tim Masthay's career-worst season isn't being overlooked by the Green Bay Packers. There will be competition at the punter position in 2015 after the Packers signed Cody Mandell on Monday.

Mandell, who went undrafted in 2014 out of Alabama, spent time with the Dallas Cowboys in training camp this past season. After beginning his college career as a walk-on, Mandell developed into a first-team All-SEC player by his senior year. Throughout college, Mandell increased his average yards per punt every season. As a senior, he averaged 47.1 yards, which made him a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award and the Burlsworth Trophy.

Masthay hasn't had competition since winning Green Bay's punting job in 2010. Masthay has two years remaining on the four-year, $5.47 million extension he signed in 2012.

Masthay struggled in 2014, finishing with a 37.0 net punt average that ranked him 30th in the NFL. He was rated by ProFootballFocus as the league's worst punter this season, including playoffs.

The last time the Packers had a key special teams player coming off a bad season was Mason Crosby in 2013. Green Bay signed kicker Giorgio Tavecchio as a result, and, whether coincidentally or not, it brought out the best in Crosby who has since turned his career back around. The Packers certainly hope the same will be true with Masthay.

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