The Eagles didn’t just lose a punter in Donnie Jones, but they lost a legendary figure who became one of the most respected in the locker room and the community. After a 14-year career, ‘Donnie Longball’ decided to hang up his boots after winning his first Super Bowl ring. The next question is, who replaces him? Here are four potential candidates:
Cam Johnston:
A career high average of 46 yards per punt saw Cameron Johnston end his Ohio State career in style. Signed by the Eagles as an undrafted free agent to compete alongside Donnie Jones, Johnston would ultimately lose that battle before signing a new contract with the team after Jones’ retirement, per his agent. Johnston has experience with the team after spending an offseason working with the Eagles, netting an average of 44.9 yards on 15 attempts in the preseason, reaching a highest of 61 yards.
A native of Geelong, Australia, Johnston actually worked out ProKickAustralia to prepare himself for the transition to the USA and for what the game of Football may have in store for him.
Kevin Huber:
Drafted by the Bengals in 2009, Huber has become a key figure in the Cincy special teams room, but now he’s set to enter free agency. The 2014 Pro Bowler had arguably his best season since entering the league in his contract year and if the Bengals decide to let him go, it would behoove the Eagles to at least enquire.
Most prominently remembered for his sassy ‘behind-the-back’ move against Washington, Huber notched a career high in punting yards and ensured 24 punts stay behind the opposing 20-yard line. At 32, there’s plenty of gas in the tank too.
Dustin Colquitt:
He may have played for the Chiefs and only the Chiefs since being drafted in 2005, but he’s also one of the league’s best. In a similar position to Huber, Colquitt is coming off of a big year and is relying on Kansas City to bring him back. In 2017, Colquitt became the Chiefs all-time leader in punts and punting yards, garnering his highest average (45.2) since 2013, and a 77-yard rocket that was his longest since an 81-yarder in 2007.
A veteran presence who has familiarity with Doug Pederson, Colquitt is naturally going to appear on this list and on many more for teams with a need at the position.
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Michael Dickson:
The best punter at the collegiate level has all the accolades to prove it. From the Ray Guy award, to a Texas Bowl MVP accolade that saw him become the first non-offensive player to win the award in Texas Bowl history. Why? In the first quarter, Dickson was asked to punt three times. Missouri was held to starting points at their own 3-yard, 9-yard and 12-yard line. This was just the beginning of a merciless slaughter that saw the Junior land 10-of-11 punts inside the 14-yard line.
A three-year punter who ended his career as the Longhorn’s all-time leader in punting average at 45.32 yards per punt, Dickson punted 226 times and set a school record in both attempts and total yards (10,242). In his final season, he netted 48.4 yards per punt.
Dickson likely won’t have to wait long for his name to be called and if the Eagles are still building for the long-term it would make sense to add a young leg who can add power and consistency straight away. Not only that, but to have a punter who has not only succeeded, but dominated in a Bowl game in front of over 67,000 fans, adds a certain level of security to the position. The Birds’ don’t have a lot of holes on their roster…so why not shoot a little higher to fill one that’s been manned by one of the league’s best for so long?
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
