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The New England Patriots are re-signing punter Ryan Allen to a 1-year contract, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
The #Patriots are re-signing punter Ryan Allen, source said. The team’s punter since 2013 and a priority, Allen is back in the fold for 2019.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2019
Punter Ryan Allen and the Patriots have reached agreement on a 1-year deal, per a source.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 19, 2019
Allen has served as the team’s punter since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and has been the most reliable punter of the Bill Belichick era. While he doesn’t rank at the top of the league in net punting, he does a great job with directional punting as New England’s special teams unit is regularly considered elite.
The 1-year contract is surprising because he had previously signed a 3-year extension at the conclusion of his rookie deal. It will be curious to see the details of his contract and perhaps some information as to why the Patriots couldn’t sign Allen to a longer-term deal.
[UPDATE] ESPN’s Mike Reiss has the contract details below.
Punter Ryan Allen: 1 year, $1.55 million
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 21, 2019
Signing bonus: $100k
Base salary: $900k
Roster bonus: $500k ($31,250 per game)
Incentives: $50,000 (Pro Bowl)
ANALYSIS: Modest deal that sets Allen up for increase on open market in 2020 if he performs well. Coming off great SB53.
The Patriots had tried to prepare to move on from Allen last offseason when the added Cory Bojorquez as an undrafted free agent, but were unable to stash the rookie on the practice squad. Perhaps the Patriots will try again to move on from Allen after the 2019 season.