Report: Alabama punter James Burnip to sign with Saints as UDFA

Not too many specialists are taken during the NFL Draft. Usually, the UDFA wave is where those players shine. And Alabama punter James Burnip is no different, reportedly landing with a team just minutes after things wrapped up in Green Bay.

According to NewOrleansFootball.com’s Nick Underhill, Burnip will sign with the New Orleans Saints. He is expected to “compete” with Matthew Hayball, who just wrapped up his first season with the franchise.

“Saints are bringing in Alabama punter James Burnip to compete, per source,” Underhill said via X.

Everyone was getting adjusted to the new Alabama coaching staff and special teams was no different. Crimson Tide special teams coach Jay Nunez actually was not a fan of what he saw from Burnip when arriving on campus, saying he struggled during spring practice. However, something clicked during the fall.

“James, when I first got here, struggled in spring,” Nunez said in August. “I was kind of like, ‘man, this guy’s a little overrated.’ But he was dealing with some things, started kicking. This fall camp he’s putting the ball where it’s supposed to be. It’s high, we’re not out-kicking out coverage, he’s been really great in the pooch-punt short-field stuff. That was an emphasis we had this fall, making sure we’re not hitting touchbacks, so we’re changing the game for the defense.”

Burnip was called onto the field more often than Kalen DeBoer may have wanted. However, he was a great weapon for Alabama once out there. In 52 punts during the 2024 season, Burnip averaged 45.4 yards per boot.

His total yardage surpassed 2,000 yards for the second time in his career. His 2,359 yards this past year was good enough for fourth in the SEC.

A four-year career unfolded for Burnip and he was immediately rewarded. Burnip received an invitation to the Senior Bowl, showcasing his talents in nearby Mobile, AL. It’s not too often that NFL scouts get an opportunity to get a first-hand look at specialists.

“Just that I’m an all-around punter,” Burnip said when asked what he wanted to show at the Senior Bowl. “I can punt it outside the numbers. I can put hangtime on it. I can kick the ball far. Just that I can do everything. Why don’t you want me? That’s the question.”

Something must have impressed the Saints. Burnip appears to have a real chance to make the 2025 roster and be New Orleans’ punter.