TAMPA, Fla. -- Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemed set with kicker Connor Barth. But, in one of the biggest surprises of the preseason, Barth lost his job to unknown Patrick Murray.
That ended up working out well as Murray had a strong rookie season. Now, the Bucs could be looking at a similar shakeup at punter.
The team signed free-agent Andrew Wilder on Friday. Wilder played at Northern Arizona, where he averaged 46.3 yards per punt in 2012 and 44.5 yards in 2013.
Wilder could provide competition to veteran Michael Koenen, who did not have a great 2014 season. Koenen averaged 40.4 yards per punt last season and his net average was 37.1 yards.
Money also could end up being a factor if Wilder fares well in training camp and the preseason. Wilder likely will make the league minimum, while Koenen is scheduled to count $3.25 million against the salary cap.
