The Cleveland Browns have re-signed punter Britton Colquitt to a four-year deal. The contract keeps Colquitt throughout the 2020-2021 season, as Colquitt was an unrestricted free agent after the 2016 season. The Browns signed Colquitt just before the 2016 season after dealing away Andy Lee to the Carolina Panthers. While this may not seem like a truly groundbreaking move, it actually helps the Browns out a lot. Here’s why.
Cleveland Browns Re-Sign Britton Colquitt
Frightening Efficiency
Britton Colquitt is a punting wizard. Although Andy Lee was a master of the craft as well, Colquitt is on another level. During the 2016 season, Colquitt’s average punt had an average length of 40.31 yards. Additionally, Colquitt had 22 punts inside the 20-yard line. He had only two touchbacks on 83 total punts. That’s a 2.4% touchback rate, which is incredible.
Going back to the number of times Colquitt punted in 2016, 83 is pretty high. To be exact, Cleveland was sixth in the league in total season punts. Not to make a mockery of the franchise, but the Cleveland Browns really needed a good punter last year. Throughout the 2016 season, the Browns offense was rather inept. Therefore, having Colquitt as a punter worked wonders for the squad. Having him for four more years will be even better as the offensive unit (hopefully) improves.
Been There, Done That, and Got the T-Shirt
Britton Colquitt played for the Denver Broncos up until the 2016 season. Just before he left from Denver to go to Cleveland, he was a part of Denver’s Super Bowl 50 Championship team. Surely, Colquitt will be a big help to Cleveland’s ailing locker room psychology in the coming four years. He has been to the Super Bowl and won it, and that deserves some respect from Browns players.
Additionally, in 2016, Cleveland was the youngest team in the NFL. At 31 years old, Colquitt is a seasoned veteran now. Aside from Joe Thomas or Joe Haden, he might just be the best true veteran in that locker room. Colquitt will likely be more than happy to help his guys out when they need some mentoring.
Conclusion
In a word, this was a smart signing for the Cleveland Browns. First, they were able to keep a great veteran presence in the locker room. Secondly, they were able to retain one of their best players, even if he plays on special teams. Until they are able to truly compete on offense again, the Browns will need a solid punter. And they just locked one up in the form of Britton Colquitt.
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