Packers extend punter Daniel Whelan through 2026

Daniel Whelan, an Irish-born punter for the Green Bay Packers, has signed a reported three-year contract extension worth $7 million, securing his position with the team through 2028. Whelan, who joined the Packers in 2023 after a stint with the XFL's DC Defenders, has quickly established himself as one of the franchise's top punters, holding two of the top three single-season punting averages in team history and the highest career punting average among players with over 100 punts. The deal reflects the Packers' commitment to maintaining a strong special teams unit alongside recent extensions for kicker Brandon McManus and long snapper Matt Orzech, aiming for continuity as they pursue a deep postseason run. Whelan's contract includes $2 million guaranteed and elevates him among the top-paid NFL punters by annual average salary. At 26 years old, Whelan is expected to continue improving, particularly in directional punting and situational awareness, as emphasized by the Packers' special teams coordinator. The extension also helps the Packers manage their salary cap while retaining key players in contract years, contributing to a promising outlook for the 2025 season and beyond.