The Denver Broncos parted ways with veteran punter Matt Haack on Friday, abruptly ending his brief tenure with the team just months after signing him. The move signals a clear shift toward building around younger players, highlighted by the selection of Florida punter Jeremy Crenshaw in the sixth round of the NFLDraft-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>2025 NFL Draft.

From Short-Term Fix to Draft Investment
Haack, 30, joined the Broncos in March on a one-year, $1.3 million deal to replace departed punter Riley Dixon. A proven specialist with eight seasons across five teams—including the Dolphins, Bills, and Giants—he delivered respectable 2024 stats: a 47.0-yard average per punt and 37.3% of kicks pinned inside the 20-yard line. Yet Denver’s front office opted for long-term potential over temporary stability, cutting ties after securing Crenshaw’s rights through 2028 via a cost-controlled rookie contract.

Why Crenshaw?
The 22-year-old draft pick arrives with collegiate credentials that mirror Haack’s production. A two-time All-SEC selection, Crenshaw averaged 46.8 yards per punt at Florida with 42.1% landing inside opponents’ 20-yard line—numbers nearly identical to Haack’s NFL performance. More importantly, his age and contract align with head coach Sean Payton’s roster strategy emphasizing financial flexibility and developmental upside.

Bigger Picture: Denver’s Offseason Playbook
This decision fits Denver’s calculated approach to the 2025 offseason:

• Leveraging $48 million in salary cap space to sign impact free agents like tight end Evan Engram

• Targeting draft value picks (Crenshaw was the first punter selected in Round 6)

• Maintaining roster optionality by releasing replaceable veterans

Special teams coach Tom McMahon hinted at this direction last month, stating: "We need players who can grow with our system for multiple seasons, not just fill gaps."

What’s Next for Haack?
The veteran now enters a competitive free-agent market for specialists. While his 2024 Giants campaign (988 yards on 21 punts) proves he remains serviceable, teams may hesitate to commit to a 30-year-old punter amid a draft class rich with younger options.

Roster Math Matters
To finalize their 90-player offseason roster, the Broncos also released long snapper Zach Triner—a procedural move that allows potential flexibility. Triner could return if needed, but Denver appears committed to evaluating younger alternatives.

The Road Ahead
With training camp approaching, all eyes will be on Crenshaw’s transition to NFL pressures. If successful, the Broncos could solidify their punting position through 2028 at a fraction of veteran costs—a critical advantage as they battle the Chiefs’ AFC West dominance. For Haack, this marks another abrupt career turn, but hardly his last chance to prove his leg still belongs in the league.