Jordan Berry is back for what will be a seventh offseason and training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The team on Monday announced the re-signing of the Australian who has served as their punter for 98 of their 103 games (including postseason) since he won the job 2015. Berry signed a one-year deal, and as things stand now over the ensuing months will compete with strong-legged first-year punter Corliss Waitman.
Berry was the Steelers’ punter for 80 consecutive regular-season games from when he beat out fellow Aussie Brad Wing during the 2015 camp up until the week before last season began, when the Steelers signed veteran Dustin Colquitt to replace him.
But Colquitt struggled over the first month-plus of the season at age 38, compelling the Steelers to release him. They brought back Berry on Oct. 24.
Berry’s 2020 gross average (45.8 yards per punt) was the best for a season in his career, and his net average (40.5) was second-best of any of his six NFL seasons. He also had the most punts inside the 20-yard-line per game of any season of his career.
Berry, 30, has only had one punt blocked among the 385 he’s had as a pro. He’s only had one returned for a touchdown.
The Steelers also value reliable holding skills in their punters.
Berry ranks fourth in Steelers history in career punts. His career gross average is 44.4 yards.
Waitman spent all of last season on the Steelers’ practice squad, and his leg is considered NFL-caliber.
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