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Patriots Release Player After 3 Seasons

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Pardon Joshua | Last updated Oct 26, 2026 3:43 PM ET

Bryce Baringer is leaving the New England Patriots after three seasons with the team. The punter has been released after spending the 2026 season on injured reserve, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.

Baringer is now healthy and available to sign with another NFL team. His release gives the 27-year-old an opportunity to continue his career elsewhere as teams evaluate their special teams needs for the second half of the season.

The move ends Baringer’s run in New England after he served as the team’s punter for three seasons. The Patriots selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Michigan State.

The #Patriots are releasing their punter of the previous three season, Bryce Baringer, source says. He’s been on Injured Reserve, but is healthy now. pic.twitter.com/4Jd2rxTgT4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2026

Baringer appeared in all 17 regular-season games in each of his first three NFL seasons. He recorded 219 punts for 10,500 yards, averaging 47.9 yards per punt and 41.0 net yards per punt across 51 career games with New England.

His strongest season by average came in 2024, when he averaged 49.8 yards per punt on 70 attempts. In 2025, he averaged 47.4 yards across 51 punts, with a net average of 40.6 yards.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

New England has continued without Baringer this season while he recovered from a lower-body injury. Veteran punter Mitch Wishnowsky has handled the team’s punting duties, leaving the Patriots with an established replacement as they move forward without their former sixth-round pick.

The roster change comes as New England works through a competitive AFC East race. The Patriots entered the week with a 4-3 record, placing second in the division behind the 5-1 Buffalo Bills. They are scheduled to visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Baringer’s availability could make him an option for a team seeking help at punter. However, no new team has been announced, and his next destination remains uncertain.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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