[UPDATE: Jones wants to continue his career.]
The Eagles have released punter Donnie Jones from the reserve/retired list, according to the NFL’s transactions wire. Jones decided to walk away from football following the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, but it’s worth noting that he is technically a free agent if he decides to play again.
“After 14 seasons in the NFL, I have decided to retire so that I can spend more time with my family,” Jones said in a statement this winter. “I am grateful for all those who have supported me throughout the years. Specifically, I would like to thank Jeffrey Lurie, Howie Roseman, Doug Pederson, and the entire Eagles organization for allowing me to be a part of their family for the past five seasons. I will truly miss my teammates, coaches, friends, and the best fans in the NFL. Although I am retiring, I will always be an Eagle and will forever have a special place in my heart for the City of Philadelphia. It is a great honor to be a part of the first Super Bowl championship team in Eagles history and there is no better way to finish my career.”
Jones moved around the league since being drafted by the Seahawks late in the 2004 draft, but he had a strong career overall. After two seasons with the Dolphins, five seasons with the Rams, and one year with the Texans, he hooked on with the Eagles in 2013 and found his place in the franchise’s record books over the course of five seasons. Jones stands as the Eagles’ all-time leader in gross punting average (45.37 yards) and net average (40.5). He also owns team records for most punts inside the 20 (138), most punts inside the 20 in a single season (34, 2014), and best net punting average in a season (41.6, 2015).
With Jones out of the picture, Cameron Johnston projects to be the Eagles’ punter in 2018.