Johnny Hekker could be the best punter in the world — and at times over the last nine years that has been undeniable — but that would also confirm the one thing that holds him back from indefinite job security: the fact that he is a punter. And when you’re the highest-paid punter in the NFL by nearly any measure, you also accept that the expectations outpace every other player at the position.
Last season, Hekker was not the premier punter in the NFL and that makes his $4.937 million salary in 2021 — $1,480,462 more than second place Michael Dickson — the subject of cap casualty conversations.