Alabama punter James Burnip has signed an undrafted free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints, the Crimson Tide announced on social media.
James Burnip, a talented punter from Alabama, has recently signed an undrafted free agent (UDFA) deal with the New Orleans Saints, a move that has garnered attention within the football world. The announcement, made by the University of Alabama’s football program on social media, marks the beginning of a new chapter in Burnip’s professional career. In this in-depth look, we will explore the significance of Burnip’s journey to the NFL, his college career, and what this move could mean for his future in the professional football landscape.
James Burnip, originally hailing from Australia, made his mark in the world of American football as an international player, adding to the rich tradition of Australian-born kickers and punters in the NFL. His journey to the United States and the University of Alabama began with an innate talent for punting and a desire to compete at the highest level. Like many Australian punters, Burnip was introduced to American football in his home country, where he initially played a different style of football.
Australian punters have become well-known in the NFL for their distinctive punting techniques, and Burnip is no exception. With a unique background that combined his previous knowledge of Australian rules football with a refined focus on American punting, Burnip quickly caught the attention of scouts and coaches alike. His path to the NFL was unorthodox, but it was clear that he had the skill set required to compete at the highest level.
James Burnip’s college career was largely defined by his time at the University of Alabama, a program known for its rich football history and its consistent success under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban. Alabama has produced countless NFL talent over the years, with players excelling at virtually every position on the field, including special teams. Burnip’s addition to this elite roster was a key move for the Crimson Tide, as Alabama looked to maintain its tradition of excellence in all phases of the game.
Burnip’s punting skills were immediately apparent from the moment he arrived at Alabama. His strong leg and ability to control hang time and distance made him a standout on the field. He became known for his ability to flip the field with long, consistent punts that gave Alabama’s defense excellent field position. Throughout his college career, Burnip was a steady and reliable presence on special teams, consistently delivering in clutch situations when called upon.
As a part of Alabama’s dominant special teams unit, Burnip played in numerous high-pressure games, including key matchups in the SEC and the College Football Playoff. His ability to perform under pressure was tested in several postseason games, and he often answered the call. This experience at the highest level of college football was invaluable in preparing Burnip for the next stage of his career, which would ultimately lead to an NFL opportunity.
In terms of his statistics, Burnip was a consistently strong performer for Alabama. Over his time with the Crimson Tide, he averaged a solid number of yards per punt, regularly putting the ball inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and showcasing his accuracy and precision as a punter. This statistical performance, combined with his work ethic and dedication, made him a highly regarded player in the eyes of NFL scouts.
Despite his success at Alabama, Burnip went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. This is not an uncommon scenario for specialists, especially punters, as many teams prefer to sign them as undrafted free agents rather than using a draft pick. The decision to bypass the draft for Burnip was likely a result of the oversaturation of specialists in a draft class, as well as the team-specific needs for other positions.
While the NFL Draft is often seen as the primary route to securing a professional career, being undrafted does not diminish Burnip’s potential to make an impact at the next level. In fact, many successful NFL players have been signed as undrafted free agents, and this is a path that has proven fruitful for specialists like Burnip, who can make an immediate impact through their performance in training camps and preseason games.
The New Orleans Saints saw an opportunity to add depth and competition to their special teams unit by signing Burnip. Known for their disciplined and competitive approach to building a team, the Saints have had a history of success on special teams, and Burnip’s skill set was a good fit for their needs. Special teams have often been a key component of the Saints’ success, with head coach Sean Payton emphasizing the importance of all three phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams.
Burnip’s signing with the Saints provides him with the chance to compete for a spot on the team’s 53-man roster, as well as the opportunity to showcase his abilities in the NFL. For Burnip, this is a significant moment in his career, as it represents the culmination of years of hard work, discipline, and dedication to the game.
As Burnip transitions into the NFL, he brings a number of key attributes to the Saints’ roster. First and foremost, his powerful leg and natural punting ability set him apart from many other specialists. Burnip’s ability to consistently hit punts with great distance and hang time will be a key asset for the Saints’ special teams unit. The ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory, especially on crucial punts, can change the course of a game and swing momentum in favor of the team.
Another key attribute that Burnip brings to the Saints is his adaptability and strong mental game. Having played in big games throughout his college career, Burnip is accustomed to handling pressure and performing in high-stakes situations. Whether it’s a crucial third-quarter punt or a game-deciding kick, Burnip has the poise and experience to stay focused and deliver in critical moments.
Additionally, Burnip’s experience in Alabama’s highly competitive environment will serve him well in the NFL. The University of Alabama has a tradition of excellence and produces top-tier talent, which meant Burnip was often competing against some of the best players in the country. This type of experience has prepared him to face the highest level of competition in the NFL, where every game and every play counts.
As the Saints look to build a strong roster and remain competitive in the NFC South, Burnip’s performance on special teams could play an important role. Special teams, often overlooked in casual football discussions, can have a huge impact on the outcome of a game, especially in close contests. With Burnip in the fold, the Saints have the potential to strengthen this crucial area of their team.
