![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="441" width="780" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
As the only team in the NFL averaging over 400 yards of offense per game (429.2) through Week 14, the Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) haven’t needed to worry about punting too much this season. That foresight may have played a major role in the team’s surprise decision to release veteran punter Dustin Colquitt back in April and roll the dice on rookie Tommy Townsend instead.
While the 16-year specialist later landed on his feet with the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2), his stay was short-lived after the AFC North leaders elected to part ways on October 23 after just five games. During that month-long span, the 38-year-old punted 20 times for a mediocre 43.1-yard average that ranked third-worst in the league at the time.
Now, it looks like the two-time Pro Bowler is getting another opportunity with an NFC playoff contender.
Follow the Heavy on Chiefs Facebook page for the latest breaking news, rumors and content out of Chiefs Kingdom!
According to ESPN’s Field Yates on Tuesday afternoon, the long-time Chiefs punter is one of three specialists heading to Tampa Bay for a workout with the Buccaneers (8-5), who have since placed their starting punter, kicker and long snapper on the reserve/COVID-19 list after receiving positive test results on Monday evening.
Colquitt Transcends the Punter Position
The 2005 third-round draft pick was a team leader during his time in Kansas City, playing in a franchise-record 238 games, earning the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination three different times and last season helping the franchise secure its first Super Bowl title in 50 years with two punts for 100 yards in the title game.
With 1,144 punts for over 51,000 yards to his name, Colquitt’s 468 kicks downed inside the opponents’ 20-yard-line currently ranks third in NFL history, according to The Football Database.
In addition to father Craig and cousin Jimmy, Colquitt’s younger brother, Britton, is also a punter in the league, currently in his 11th pro season and second with the Minnesota Vikings (6-7).
Former Chiefs QB Also Works out for NFC Team
Colquitt wasn’t the only ex-Chief visiting a new team on Tuesday. Second-year quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, who was released from Kansas City’s practice squad on October 27, was in Detroit for a tryout with the Lions, according to the NFL’s transaction report, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The 23-year-old originally signed with the defending Super Bowl champions on a one-year deal back in March after emerging as one of the stars for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the since-disbanded XFL. In 2019, Ta’amu also had a brief stint with the Houston Texans after going undrafted out of Ole Miss.
His impressive showing in the developmental league opened the door for his second chance to catch on in NFL, as detailed by USA Today’s Chiefs Wire:
Ta’amu recorded the highest completion percentage in the XFL (72%) while recording third-most passing yards (1,050). He threw five touchdowns and two interceptions in five games. He also had the most rushing yards of any quarterback with 41 carries for 217 yards and a score.
If he can impress the rebuilding Lions this week, he could have a chance to earn a future/reserve contract heading into the offseason.
READ NEXT:
Chris Licata is an NFL contributor covering the Kansas City Chiefs from enemy territory in Denver, Colorado. Follow him on Twitter @Chris__Licata or join the Heavy on Chiefs Facebook community for the latest out of Chiefs Kingdom!
0 Comments