3 Most Likely Johnny Hekker Free Agent Destinations Following Release From Rams

It's not often that a high profile punter hits the open market, but that is exactly what seems to be happening with the Los Angeles Rams' release of veteran Johnny Hekker. The four-time All-Pro has yet to miss a game in his career and would be a strong addition to any special teams unit across the league.

Overall, Hekker has posted at least 21 punts downed inside the 20-yard line in each of his last eight seasons. That level of consistency is sure to draw interest from a couple of NFL teams in search of special teams upgrades. Let's take a look at three of the most likely free agent destinations fo Hekker.

Johnny Hekker Free Agency

1. Philadelphia Eagles

It's not hard to understand why Philadelphia would be in the market for a veteran punter. The Eagles finished the 2021 season with only 17 punts downed inside the 20, which was the third-lowest mark in the league. While current starter Arryn Siposs is currently under contract for two more seasons, he struggled over the second half of the year and only comes with a $25,000 dead cap hit. This kind of move has worked out for Philadelphia before. The team brought in veteran Donnie Jones back in 2013 and he ended up helping the team earn its first Super Bowl title in 2017. Maybe they give Hekker a shot, too.

2. Los Angeles Chargers

One of the only teams with less punts downed inside the 20 than the Eagles was the Los Angeles Chargers (12). Their 44.2 punt yard average as a team ranked among the 10 worst marks as well. The Chargers have shown that they are not afraid of making moves after signing cornerback J.C. Jackson to a massive deal and trading for defensive end Khalil Mack. General manager Tom Telesco is in win-now mode and brining Hekker in would only solidify that mantra. It's worth noting that Hekker wouldn't even have to move his family if he stayed in LA. This seems like a win-win move for both sides.

3. Green Bay Packers

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is back and the Green Bay Packers look poised to make another deep playoff run. That is if they can fix the special teams issues that plagued them last season. Signing Hekker would definitely be a great first step. The Packers do not have a punter under contract for the 2022 season yet and Hekker has made four Pro Bowls in his career. 2021 was definitely a down season for the 10-year pro, but Lambeau Field may be the perfect place to bounce back. Booming punts in front of a passionate fan base is as good as it gets. Signing Hekker would be an underrated move by Green Bay.

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.