Pat

McAfee

A rare bright spot in the Colts’ 2-14 season, McAfee set the record on a massive sample size (88 attempts) because Indianapolis’ inept offense punted so much. McAfee is scheduled to have the meniscus surgically repaired next Monday.

McAfee set a Colts franchise gross punting record of 46.6 yards in 2011, only to reset the record with a 48.2 mark in 2012. He also finished tied for sixth in the league with 45 touchbacks on kickoffs.

“Obviously, we’ve reached out and are working to get Pat re-signed,” Pagano said. “We saw what he did for us last year. He’s a great weapon.” McAfee set career-highs by landing 26 punts inside the 20-yard line and 11 inside the 10-yard line last season. He also ranked fifth in the league in gross punting average.

Get excited. The franchise tag for punters/kickers checks in at $2.97 million. Coach Chuck Pagano called locking McAfee up a “major priority” on Thursday. The four-year veteran was fifth in gross punting average last season.

Colts beat writer Mike Chappelle would be “stunned” if McAfee got away after finishing fifth in the NFL in gross punting average (48.2) in 2012, while ranking a rock-solid 15th in net (40.3). McAfee will turn 26 years old this May.

The sides now have until July 15 to hammer out a long-term agreement. McAfee was fifth in gross punting average last season, and is still only 25.

McAfee was the Colts’ “franchise” player last season, earning $2.97 million. His numbers dipped a bit, but he’s still one of the better punters in the game and handles kickoff duties. McAfee, 27 in May, probably wants to cash in and secure a long-term deal with an annual average salary near $3.5-4 million.

McAfee said Monday that he had the operation 6-7 weeks ago and is 85-90 percent healthy. McAfee has one of the NFL’s biggest legs and is an asset on kickoffs. He was Pro Football Focus’ top punter last season by a wide margin.

McAfee made the announcement while explaining why he will skip the Pro Bowl. The punter was able to play through the injury for much of the season, so he is likely looking at no more than a scope. He should be fine for training camp.

McAfee announced he will soon begin writing for Barstool Sports. A two-time Pro Bowler, McAfee is only 29 years old but has undergone three knee surgeries in four years. Per the Indianapolis Star, McAfee had mulled retirement for “months, years even” and is “eager for the next chapter of his life.” McAfee set a franchise record and led the NFL by averaging 49.3 yards per punt in 2016, but said he played in knee pain for “most of the second half of the season.” McAfee doubles as a stand-up comic and has spent his free time writing screenplays and poetry. He was also openly critical of GM Ryan Grigson following Grigson’s firing.