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Punters are better than ever, and they're gaining more respect and prominence as a result, writes Len Pasquarelli.

Apparently intent on improving the NFL's worst punting game of a year ago, the Redskins have signed unrestricted free agent Hunter Smith, who had spent his entire career with the Colts.

The Cardinals, who released punter Mike Barr earlier this week, filled the vacancy by signing 12-year veteran Mitch Berger, a two-time Pro Bowl performer.

This has been a season in which NFL kickers and punters have positioned the accent squarely on the first syllable of football. It's the Year of the Kicker, writes Len Pasquarelli.

In an indication that regular punter Brad Maynard either re-aggravated the groin injury that sidelined him last Sunday, or that he simply isn't ready yet to return, the Chicago Bears on Friday re-signed veteran free agent and former Philadelphia punter Di

It's another week and another punter for the Cleveland Browns, who have signed veteran Scott Player as their latest insurance policy while incumbent Dave Zastudil continues to recover from a back injury of two weeks ago.

With starter Brad Maynard hampered by a groin injury sustained this week in practice, the Chicago Bears have signed free agent punter Dirk Johnson for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Indianapolis defensive tackle Ed Johnson stole the show in an otherwise average weekend for the 2007 rookie class, writes Len Pasquarelli.

The Lions have signed punter Nick Harris to a five-year, $8.5 million contract extension.

The Cleveland Browns signed free agent Paul Ernster to the roster on Saturday.

The Patriots on Thursday signed veteran free agent punter Chris Hanson.

Eleven-year veteran punter Josh Miller, coming off an injury-plagued 2006 season, was released on Thursday by the New England Patriots, who apparently will choose between two younger players at the position.

Six-year veteran Jason Baker, one of the NFL's top young punters, has signed a five-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers.

The Steelers ended more than a month of speculation and uncertainty surrounding the future of punter Chris Gardocki, releasing the 16-year veteran, and making him an unrestricted free agent able to sign with another team.

The Saints agreed with former Jaguars punter Chris Hanson on a one-year contract worth $635,000.

The New England Patriots on Monday night retained punter Todd Sauerbrun by matching the one-year contract that the the three-time Pro Bowl punter signed with the Denver Broncos last week.