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He’s back everybody! Adam Schefter of ESPN has reported the Chicago Bears will be re-signing punter Patrick O’Donnell to a one-year deal. The value of his contract is $1.5 million, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. It is currently unknown if the value of his contract is fully guaranteed.
Drafted out of the University of Miami in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft, O’Donnell’s career has been inconsistent, but lately has been solid for the past two consecutive seasons. His 2017 season is considered the best of his career, averaging 47.0 yards and posting a net average of 39.7 yards per punt. Oh, and he currently sports a perfect 158.3 passer rating, as a result of this glorious fake punt.
Despite him returning on a one-year deal, it would not be a surprise if the Bears were to bring in competition for training camp. Chris Tabor, the Bears’ special teams coordinator, could possibly seek a more consistent punter in terms of directional kicking. Regardless, MegaPunt is back for the time being. And besides, kickers and punters are people, too.