NFL
Patriots work out another punter after Bryce Baringer injury
With starting punter Bryce Baringer banged up, the New England Patriots hosted free agent Jamie Gillan for a workout
Alex Barth
Updated Aug 27, 2026 7:18 PM EDT
With starting punter Bryce Baringerdealing with an injury, the New England Patriots signed free agent punterMatt Haacklast week. However, they may not be done making moves at the position. On Thursday, it was reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss that the team also hosted free agent Jamie Gillan for a workout
Gillan, 29, has played seven NFL seasons. Known as the ‘Scottish Hammer’ having been raised in Forres, Scotland he spent his first three seasons with the Cleveland Browns and then four more with the New York Giants
For the Giants last year Gillan hit 55 punts, recording a net average of 38 yards per punt and an average hangtime of 4.19 seconds. 17 of his kicks were downed inside the 20 yard line, with four touchbacks
Haack is in line to handle the Patriots’ punting responsibilities in the preseason opener on Thursday night, but from there there’s not much certainty at the position right now. Head coach Mike Vrabel did not give a timeline for Baringer when announcing his injury earlier this week, describing it as “serious enough that we’ll have to sign a new punter.”
If Baringer is going to miss Week 1 (or beyond), the punter spot does become a point of focus. Thursday could be sort of a tryout as well for Haack, with the Patriots able to make another move before their Sept. 9 opener against the Seattle Seahawks if needed. If Haack does not have a strong showing on Thursday night, Gillan will be a player to watch
Also of note is the fact that punting isn’t the punter’s only job. That player will also act as the holder for Andy Borregales, something else to watch for on Thursday night
New England Patriots
Alex BarthWriter
Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.
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