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Packers Punt on Surprise Tryouts
23 Oct
Summary
- Green Bay worked out two accomplished college punters.
- Incumbent punter Daniel Whelan has performed well this season.
- Both new punters have significant college experience but no NFL starts.
The Green Bay Packers conducted tryouts for two college punting standouts, James Rendell and Jack Stonehouse, on October 22, 2026. This move comes as a surprise, considering the excellent performance of the current punter, Daniel Whelan. Whelan has consistently delivered for the Packers, averaging 49.7 yards per punt this season with 14 kicks downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. His success also includes setting a franchise record last year with a 51.7-yard gross punting average, leading the NFL in that category since the 1970 merger.
Rendell, a former Notre Dame semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award, averaged 44.6 yards on 25 punts in his final season, with 13 landing inside the 20. Stonehouse, a three-time All-ACC selection at Syracuse, averaged 47.1 yards per punt in his last college season, ranking fifth nationally. While both possess substantial college accolades, neither has yet secured a regular role in the NFL. These tryouts suggest the Packers are proactively assessing potential depth for their special teams unit.
