JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars' free-agent focus wasn't just defense and the running game.
The team focused on special teams, too, signaling a change at the punter position with the signing of veteran punter Brad Nortman.
Nortman, who spent the past four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, has signed with the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent. The Jaguars announced the move along with several free-agent signings at EverBank Field Thursday.
Nortman said the reason for signing with the Jaguars was simple:
It was just the right fit.
"Just from the top down, this organization has a great reputation," Nortman said Thursday. "There are building blocks for a lot of long-term success, and that's something I wanted to be a part of."
Nortman, a sixth-round selection by Carolina in the 2012 NFL Draft, played collegiately at Wisconsin, has a 45.2-yard gross average and a 38.9-yard net average in four NFL seasons. He also has 91 punts inside the 20 and had a gross of 45.4 and net of 39.8 this past season.
Nortman described his style as a "nice blend" of hang time and directional punting.
"Certainly, my strengths are in hang time," he said. "I have a strong leg, so that's first and foremost in how I punt the football. Over the course of the last several years, I've been able to narrow my focus and be a directional guy in addition to that.
Images of Jaguars free agent signing punter Brad Nortman.
"I think that's probably the most powerful combination if you can crush the ball and cut off the field for your coverage guys. I try to be a nice blend of that, too."
Nortman said he spoke to Jaguars special teams coach Mike Mallory late Wednesday.
"He seems like a great guy, great coach," Nortman said. "He has a reputation for being a great special teams coach in this league. I'm excited to get a feel for his approach and his strategy, but it just seems like something that will really mesh well with how I punt the ball and the success they've had on special teams in the past."
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