The opposing punters in the past four Iron Bowls lost their NFL roster positions on Monday.
James Burnip of Alabama and Oscar Chapman of Auburn were seeking to earn spots in the NFL as undrafted rookies, but the New Orleans Saints waived Burnip and the Minnesota Vikings waived Chapman on Monday.
The Saints parted ways with Burnip while retaining another undrafted rookie punter from the SEC, Kai Kroeger of South Carolina.
During New Orleans’ three preseason games, Burnip punted five times for 37.6-yard average with only one attempted return, which was muffed by the Los Angeles Chargers and recovered by the Saints. He had no touchbacks and three punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
Kroeger punted six times for a 49.7-yard average and a 46.0-yard net with 22 yards on two returns. Kroeger also had a muffed punt, which the opponent recovered. He had no touchbacks and two punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
Burnip held for two field goals and three extra points and Kroeger held for five field goals and one extra point as New Orleans kickers did not miss an attempt during the preseason.
During Minnesota’s three preseason games, Chapman punted three times for a 52.3-yard average with a 49.3-yard net. One of Chapman’s punts was returned for 9 yards. Another was fumbled, but the opponent recovered the loose football. Chapman had no touchbacks and none inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
The Vikings’ punter for the past three seasons, Ryan Wright punted six times for a 47.3-yard average in the preseason. He had a 39.2-yard net as opponents returned three punts for 49 yards. Wright had no touchbacks and three punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
Will Reichard made 2-of-2 extra points and 3-of-4 field goals with Chapman holding and his only extra point and 5-of-6 field goals with Wright holding. The miss with Chapman holding came from 55 yards, and the miss with Wright holding came from 63 yards.
At Alabama, Burnip averaged 43.9 yards on 203 punts. On the Crimson Tide’s career lists, Burnip ranks third in punts, third in punting yards and second in punting average.
At Auburn, Chapman averaged 43.5 yards on 243 punts. On the Tigers’ career lists, Chapman ranks first in punts, first in punting yards and fourth in punting average.
Minnesota Vikings punter Oscar Chapman warms up for an NFL preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.
Minnesota Vikings punter Oscar Chapman warms up for an NFL preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.(AP Photo/Stew Milne)
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at@AMarkG1.
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