The Patriots have released veteran punter Bryce Baringer after he spent the start of the year on injured reserve Getty
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 04: Mitch Wishnowsky #19 and Andy Borregales #8 of the New England Patriots celebrate after making the kick for the point after a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) Getty
The New England Patriots have parted ways with a longtime special teams contributor, but head coach Mike Vrabel isn't completely ruling out a reunion.
New England released veteran punter Bryce Baringer on Monday, Oct. 26, ending his three-year run with the organization after an injury kept him sidelined to begin the 2026 season.
However, Vrabel left the door open for Baringer to return down the road, even suggesting the Patriots might consider bringing him back if another need arises at the position.
The development comes as New England continues to deal with mounting injuries across its roster, making decisions about personnel and injured reserve increasingly difficult.
And with veteran Mitch Wishnowsky performing well in Baringer's absence, the Patriots have chosen to move forward with their replacement.
GettyThe Patriots have released veteran punter Bryce Baringer after he spent the start of the year on injured reserve.
Speaking with reporters Monday, Vrabel explained why New England decided to cut ties with Baringer, who set a franchise single-season record with a 49.8-yard punting average in 2024, despite the punter being healthy enough to return.
According to 98.5 The Sports Hub's Alex Barth , the Patriots coach acknowledged that moving on from a player who had spent three seasons with the franchise was difficult.
"I appreciate what Bryce has been able to do for us," Vrabel said. "Those are tough decisions … we felt like this was best for us and best for Bryce, let him go punt."
Interestingly, Vrabel didn't completely close the door on a potential reunion.
The Patriots coach indicated that Baringer might return "if we need a punter," suggesting the organization would remain open to considering its former starter if circumstances change.
That qualification is particularly notable considering New England's roster situation.
The Patriots have been hampered by multiple injuries, including setbacks involving Alijah Vera-Tucker and Romeo Doubs .
New England also faces restrictions on how many players it can activate from injured reserve throughout the season.
With Wishnowsky handling the punting responsibilities, using one of those valuable return designations on Baringer would have been difficult to justify.
Releasing the Michigan State product gives him an opportunity to continue his career elsewhere rather than remaining sidelined.
However, Vrabel's comments suggest the decision might not necessarily be permanent.
GettyORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 04: Mitch Wishnowsky #19 and Andy Borregales #8 of the New England Patriots celebrate after making the kick for the point after a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The Patriots originally selected Baringer in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft, and he became an immediate fixture on special teams.
The 27-year-old appeared in all 51 regular-season games from 2023 through 2025, averaging 47.9 yards per punt and 41.0 net yards during that stretch.
His strongest statistical campaign came in 2024, when he averaged 49.8 yards per attempt.
However, Baringer suffered a lower-body injury during New England's preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in August.
The setback eventually landed him on injured reserve, opening the door for Wishnowsky to take over.
New England signed Wishnowsky to its practice squad before the regular season, and the former fourth-round pick has since established himself as a reliable alternative.
Through seven games, Wishnowsky has averaged 47.1 yards per punt with a net average of 41.2 yards. He's also landed 10 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Those numbers have given New England little reason to make another change at the position.
The Patriots are now 4-3 following their 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Oct. 22.
They'll return to action against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 1, with Wishnowsky expected to remain their starting punter.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
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