The Kansas City Chiefs had already tendered an offer to Tommy Townsend for next year and now he’s officially signed it and will return in 2023.
Punter Tommy Townsend has officially re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday, according to the latest post from NFL reporter Field Yates.
The Chiefs were always in the driver’s seat in terms of control of where Townsend could play next year, given that he was only a restricted free agent. The Chiefs tendered him an offer earlier this offseason, which confirmed he would be back as long as he signed the deal. Now, Townsend’s signature on the tender makes it official.
Townsend, who is only 26 years old, had a breakout year for the Chiefs in 2023, his third season in the NFL. He earned a league-wide reputation for his ability to both kick with tremendous power and accuracy, and he was named a first-team All-Pro for his efforts. He also made it to his first-ever Pro Bowl.
Last season, Townsend was named the AFC’s Special Teams Player of the Month in September and he was named the Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 15 as well.
Townsend was a priority free agent signing for the Chiefs out of the University of Florida and took over for longtime punter Dustin Colquitt, who was himself a two-time Pro Bowler. Last season, Townsend averaged 45.6 net yards/punt for the Chiefs.