The New York Giants have secured a major signing by agreeing to a three-year, $12.3 million contract with punter Jordan Stout, making him the highest-paid punter in NFL history as of Monday. This move follows coach John Harbaugh’s transition from the Baltimore Ravens to the Giants, bringing with him two former Ravens players, including Stout, while emphasizing the team’s commitment to strengthening their special teams.
Jordan Stout’s Rise to Prominence Under John Harbaugh
John Harbaugh, who was instrumental in selecting Stout during the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft while with the Ravens, played a key role in developing him into one of the league’s most elite punters. Last season, Stout led the NFL in net punting average with 44.9 yards, showcasing the value of using high draft capital on a specialist. His performance set a new Baltimore Ravens franchise record with a 47.8-yard gross average in 2023, which he topped this season by achieving a 50.1-yard average. Throughout his first four professional years, Stout successfully downed 100 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Recognition followed Stout’s on-field excellence as he earned first-team All-Pro honors in his final year with Baltimore and received his first Pro Bowl selection. Harbaugh’s decision to bring Stout to the Giants aligns with his background as a former special teams coach, complemented by the addition of special teams coordinator Chris Horton from Baltimore, further signaling a renewed focus on this critical phase of the game.
Comparison of Top NFL Punters’ Salaries
Jordan Stout’s contract of $4.1 million per year surpasses other top punters in the league, according to salary data from Over The Cap. Close behind are Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks with a $4.05 million annual salary, Logan Cooke of the Jacksonville Jaguars earning $4 million, and A.J. Cole from the Las Vegas Raiders making $3.95 million. Jack Fox of the Detroit Lions rounds out the top five with $3.49 million per year.
Isaiah Likely’s Expected Transition to the Giants
Alongside Stout, tight end Isaiah Likely is also anticipated to follow Harbaugh to New York, having agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract with the Giants. Ranked as the 23rd best free agent by expert Pete Prisco and the second-best tight end available, Likely represents a significant acquisition designed to boost the Giants’ offensive weapons.
Previously sharing playing time with Mark Andrews at Baltimore, Likely never started more than nine games in his four seasons. This shift to the Giants positions him as the clear number one tight end, potentially leading to increased targets and impact. His best season came in 2024 when he recorded career highs with 42 receptions, 477 yards, and six touchdowns, promising a strong contribution to quarterback Jaxson Dart’s developing offensive group.
This strategic signing spree reflects Harbaugh’s intent to reshape the Giants with familiar talent and bolster both special teams and key offensive roles, signaling a potentially transformative era for the franchise.
A record deal: Ravens free-agent punter Jordan Stout reached agreement today with the Giants on a three-year, $12.3 million deal that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid punter and reunites him with his former head coach John Harbaugh, per ESPN sources. The deal cannot be signed…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
Giants signing TE Isaiah Likely to a three-year, $40M deal. (via @TomPelissero, @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/tdLxIfXLHc
— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2026
