Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson (92) punts the ball to the Texas Longhorns throughout the first half within the 2024 SEC Championship sport at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Photographs
When free company opened, probably the most notable identify the Minnesota Vikings misplaced was extensive receiver Jalen Nailor.
They by no means supposed to maintain him at an inflated contract to be their third extensive receiver, however he did effectively in his deal from Las Vegas.
Brett Thorson Brings Reliable Competitors to Vikings Punter Room
Probably getting misplaced within the shuffle from Nailor transferring groups was punter Ryan Wright flying the coop as effectively. He left Minnesota for greener pastures with the New Orleans Saints. Whereas his profession historically bounced between good and dangerous years, he was coming off a season wherein the Vikings would have preferred to maintain him.
Georgia punter Brett Thorson (99) punts the ball away throughout the G-Day spring soccer sport in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 16, 2022. The black staff received 26-23. Information Joshua L Jones. © Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK.
They pivoted and landed on veteran punter Johnny Hekker. Nonetheless, Hekker has been trending down for a while now, and he’s very clearly on the finish of the road.
It might have been a shock to see the Vikings use a draft decide on a punter. Regardless of grabbing Will Reichard with a late-round decide, he has the utility of being a kicker. Nonetheless, Brett Thorson got here into The Draft because the nation’s finest punter, and Minnesota was clearly enamored.
They didn’t want to make use of a draft decide on him, and wound up getting him anyway. Signed as an undrafted free agent, the Georgia Bulldog racked up accolades within the SEC. He now involves what might be a punting competitors in Minnesota, however even with Hekker’s presence, it’s one he may very effectively win.
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brett Thorson of Georgia punts the ball throughout the NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs
Thorson can increase the soccer, however he’s additionally greater than able to utilizing finesse. Pinning punts contained in the 20-yard line, or providing up sufficient grasp time for the protection unit to get down the sphere, are each in his toolbox as effectively.
Most of the time, NFL groups cycle via kickers and punters. Veterans stick round perpetually and barely discover tenure with groups. Reichard appears to be like the a part of a kicker like that for the Vikings, and Thorson replicating it as a punter can be numerous enjoyable.
Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis primarily based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing ideas continually on Twitter, … Extra about Ted Schwerzler
