The New Orleans Breakers re-signed two important special teams athletes: punter Matt White, and long snapper Turner Bernard.
Free Agent Signings:
• P Matt White
• LS Turner Bernard— New Orleans Breakers (@USFLBreakers) September 19, 2023
After what has been a quiet offseason so far for New Orleans, the team finally makes a couple of moves.
P Matt White
Matt White returning to the New Orleans Breakers for another season is excellent news. He has consistently been one of the top punters in the USFL for the past two years.
In 2022, Matt White punted 48 times, totaling 2,123 yards. He averaged 44.2 YPP, and sent 15 (31.5%) inside opponents 20 yard lines.
White built upon his successful 2022 campaign with an impressive showing this year. Matt sent 30 punts for a total of 1,347 yards, averaging 44.9 YPP. 11 of those (36.7%) were inside opponents 20 yard lines, with only five (16.7%) resulting in touchbacks.
Matt White looks to be down with an ankle injury to his plant foot.
Never want to see a punter get hurt…
I hope Coghlin cant punt#USFL #USFL @USFLBreakers @USFLMaulers pic.twitter.com/sa8iQKywdC
— Between The Goalposts (@NoahBeauso) April 16, 2023
Matt had a long of 68 yards this season, which was the fourth farthest punt in the USFL. With White coming back for another year, the New Orleans Breakers special teams are in great shape.
LS Turner Bernard
The New Orleans Breakers do boast one of the top special teams units in the league. Matt Coghlin and Matt White were stellar in 2023, but that wouldn’t have been possible without Turner Bernard.
It’s all about the angles 🤌 @TurnerBernard1 @19themachine pic.twitter.com/HODG4Scksa
— New Orleans Breakers (@USFLBreakers) June 14, 2023
Bernard joined the team in 2022, and has been with New Orleans ever since. Bernard has started all 20 regular season games for the Breakers since the USFL returned.
Final Thoughts
With Matt Coghlin, Matt White, and Turner Bernard all under contract for the 2024 USFL season, the New Orleans Breakers are set to see more excellent special teams play next year.
GM Ryan Jones has been quiet in free agency so far. The Breakers have only signed OL Sidney Wells. While they re-activated Kai Absheer a few days ago, he was quickly released.
What are your thoughts on the New Orleans Breakers re-signing Matt White and Turner Bernard? What moves should they make next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
