Tommy

Townsend

ESPN’s Adam Schefter had the scoop. The Chiefs made it clear they would be moving on from Townsend a few weeks ago when they signed Matt Araiza. Townsend ranked 15th in net yards per put and 23rd in inside-the-20 rate last year. His numbers took a dive from where they were in his All-Pro season a year prior. Townsend also has four career pass attempts, three of which were successfully converted for first downs.

Townsend was a restricted free agent and the Chiefs tendered him at the lowest level. They would not get any compensation if a team chooses to match their offer. Townsend led the NFL in net yards per punt attempt in 2022. He earned a Pro Bowl nod and was named FIrst-Team All-Pro.

Townsend signing comes shortly before the Chiefs released Dustin Colquitt, so it sounds like he’s going to get a real chance to win this starting gig. He averaged 44 yards per punt in 2019, and 20-of-42 punts were fair caught.

Townsend was a three-star member of the Volunteers’ 2014 class. He probably would have competed for starting duties in 2016, but walk-on punter Trevor Daniel turned out to have a golden foot. Daniel averaged 45.7 yards per boot last season -- a school record. Needless to say, Townsend should find more playing time elsewhere. If he transfers within the FBS, he will have to sit out the 2016 season due to NCAA regulations.

Townsend (6'2/176) began his collegiate career at Tennessee, transferring to Florida just before the 2016 season. He served as Florida’s punter for all 13 games this season, averaging nearly 44 yards per punt with a long of 71 yards. Twenty-one of Townsend’s 42 punts were fair caught, with 11 being of 50 yards or more and 20 landing inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. He’ll likely be an undrafted free agent when the NFL Draft rolls around, but the Shrine Bowl represents another opportunity for Townsend to show NFL scouts and decision-makers what he can do.