The Chargers are changing punters, as the club has signed veteran Donnie Jones to replace Drew Kaser, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Jones, 38, originally announced his retirement from the Eagles in February, but later decided he wanted to continue his lengthy NFL career. Philadelphia then released him from the reserve/retired list, giving Jones the opportunity to find another team. Jones, who hadn’t garnered any other known free agent interest, was solid in 2017, ranking solid 15th in yards per punt average and 16th in net average. He also placed 35.1% of his punts inside of the 20-yard line.
As has become the norm in recent years, the Chargers’ special teams unit is among the league’s worst. Per Football Outsiders’ metrics, Los Angeles ranks 31st in overall special teams and dead last in punts. Kaser, who had been the Chargers’ punter since 2016, ranks 31st in net punting average. Because he’s not a vested veteran, Kaser will hit the waiver wire, but it seems unlikely he’ll be claimed given his struggles.