Jeff

Locke

Chris Kluwe’s replacement, Locke was an All-Pac 12 selection for UCLA last season, and has a booming leg on kickoffs. He should fare well in climate-controlled Minnesota.

Incumbent Vikings punter Chris Kluwe finished 25th in Pro Football Focus’ punter ratings last season and is due $1.4 million in 2013. He’ll be replaced by Locke, who was a first-team All-Pac 12 selection and projects to be dominant on kickoffs. Last season, 77 percent of his kickoffs went for touchbacks. There’s reason to believe Locke can be just as good as Brian Anger, who was a third-round pick of the Jags last season.

Locke will replace retired Pat McAfee as the Colts’ punter and could even handle kickoff and holder duties. Locke was 27th in net average last season.

The Vikings brought in competition for Locke after he finished dead-last in the league in punt average last season (41.6 yards). Symmank averaged 46.0 yards per punt at Texas Tech in 2015 while O’Toole averaged 45.4 in his senior year at West Virginia. Locke is entering the last year of his rookie deal.

It is a shocking move considering Locke was just signed in March to a two-year deal which included $1.25 million guaranteed. That suggests he was severely outplayed in camp by UDFA rookie Rigoberto Sanchez, who will take over the punting duties.

Locke is replacing Kasey Redfern (knee). The Vikings’ punter from 2013-16, Locke was mostly replacement level. He couldn’t make the Colts this summer despite getting $1.25 million guaranteed in the spring.

It’s the second straight year Locke has failed to make a Week 1 roster. Bradley Pinion will open the season as the 49ers’ punter.