The Atlanta Falcons announced on Mar. 12 that they have signed free agent punter Jake Bailey.
Bailey’s addition comes as the NFL’s new league year begins, allowing teams to officially sign free agents and finalize trades. The move is notable for the Falcons as they look to strengthen their special teams unit with an experienced player who has previously earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Bailey was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent four years with the team. In 2020, he was named to the Pro Bowl and received first-team All-Pro recognition after averaging a career-best 48.7 yards per punt. He later joined the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 2023, where he played for three seasons and averaged 46.9 yards per punt. During his time in Miami, Bailey worked with Craig Aukerman, who is now the Falcons’ special teams coordinator.
“He lets the specialist operate, which I really like,” Bailey said about Aukerman. “He puts us in situations where we can be successful. … He gets everyone set up well.” Bailey also noted familiarity with other members of the Falcons organization, including kicker Nick Folks—his former teammate from New England—and tight end Austin Hooper, whom he attended college with and who recently returned to Atlanta on a one-year deal.
“I am super honored that they wanted to have me here,” Bailey said.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to the official website. The team is based in Atlanta, Georgia according to the official website and began as an expansion franchise in 1965 according to the official website. The Falcons have advanced to two Super Bowls—in 1998 and 2016 according to the official website. Freddie the Falcon serves as their mascot according to the official website.
As free agency continues, fans can follow updates through the team’s Free Agency Tracker.
