The Philadelphia Eagles have found their new punter.
The Eagles announced Monday that Donnie Jones has agreed to terms on a one-year contract. The nine-year NFL veteran replaces Mat McBriar, whom the team released in a corresponding move.
Jones spent last season with the Houston Texans, for whom he averaged 47.2 yards per kick with a net of 40.5. He ranks fifth in NFL history in gross (45.6) and net punting average (39.0), and is a two-time All-Pro selection.
"Donnie Jones is a guy that we have admired over the last several years," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said in a statement released by the team. "He has one of the strongest legs in the entire NFL and we're excited we had a chance to sign him. We watched a lot of tape on him and he's coming off a very good season with Houston. We feel he'll add a good element to our special teams units."
McBriar exits the picture despite a solid 2012 season in which he averaged 46.5 yards and 36.5 net on 55 punts. Roseman said the Eagles "just decided to go in a different direction."
Despite Jones' achievements, this will be his fifth team in nine years. Such is the life of an NFL punter.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
