Falcons Sign Punter Jake Bailey to $9 Million Deal

Atlanta bolsters special teams with three-year contract for veteran punter

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons have signed punter Jake Bailey to a three-year, $9 million contract, addressing a key special teams need after struggles at the kicker position last season. The Falcons are hoping Bailey's consistent punting can help improve field position and complement their new kicker, Nick Folk, who was signed earlier this offseason.

Why it matters

The Falcons' special teams unit was a weak spot in 2025, with inconsistent kicking and punting hurting their overall performance. Upgrading both the punter and kicker positions is a priority for the team as they look to bounce back from an 8-9 season and compete in the NFC South.

The details

The Falcons signed Bailey, a veteran punter, to a three-year, $9 million contract. This comes after their previous punter, Bradley Pinion, led the NFL in punts downed inside the 20-yard line but had below-average net yardage. The team is hoping Bailey's strong leg and precision can give them better field position. Along with the Bailey signing, the Falcons also brought in kicker Nick Folk, who had the league's highest field goal accuracy in 2025.

  • The Falcons signed punter Jake Bailey to a three-year, $9 million contract on March 10, 2026.

The players

Jake Bailey

A veteran punter who the Falcons signed to a three-year, $9 million contract to upgrade their special teams unit.

Bradley Pinion

The Falcons' previous punter, who led the NFL in punts downed inside the 20-yard line but had below-average net yardage.

Nick Folk

The kicker the Falcons signed earlier this offseason, who had the league's highest field goal accuracy in 2025.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' starting quarterback who was injured for much of the 2025 season.

Tua Tagovailoa

The quarterback the Falcons signed this offseason, who will compete for the starting job with Penix.

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What they’re saying

“Upgrading our special teams was a big priority this offseason, and bringing in Jake Bailey gives us a proven, consistent punter to complement our new kicker Nick Folk.”

— Arthur Smith, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons (ESPN)

What’s next

The Falcons will continue to evaluate their quarterback situation during training camp, with Penix and Tagovailoa competing for the starting job. The team's special teams unit will also be closely watched to see if the Bailey and Folk signings pay dividends.

The takeaway

The Falcons' offseason moves show a commitment to improving their special teams, which was a weakness in 2025. By signing Bailey and Folk, the team is hoping to provide better field position and more consistent kicking to support their offense and defense as they look to bounce back in the NFC South.