METARIE, La., March 7 (UPI) -- Mitch Berger, regarded as one of the NFL's best punters, will join his third team in as many years.
The New Orleans Saints announced Friday they had signed Berger, who has averaged at least 41 yards per punt for the last seven seasons, to a five-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
"We targeted Mitch right away when it became apparent we would need a punter," Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said. "Mitch is one of the NFL's top punters throughout his career and he can handle kickoffs as well. That versatility will make him a valuable member of our special teams units. We believe Mitch will only make an already strong part of our team even better."
Berger will replace Toby Gowin, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
Berger played for the St. Louis Rams last season, averaging 41.9 yards on 61 punts, while dropping 13 kicks inside the opponents' 20-yard line. He played with the Minnesota Vikings for the previous five seasons.
It was in Minnesota where Berger forged a reputation as one of the league's top punters. He averaged 44.7 yards on 62 punts in 2000 and was named NFC Special Teams player of the month for December.
Berger was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1999 when he averaged a career-high 45.5 yards on 61 punts.
The Saints addressed another need, signing veteran field goal kicker John Carney to a five-year contract at undisclosed terms. Carney had been an unrestricted free agent.
"Getting John signed was a big priority," Loomis said. "We are glad that today we were able to get a veteran punter in Mitch Berger as well as John back in the fold. He was a major part of our special teams being ranked among the best in the league last year."
