The Patriots decided to sign rookie free agent David Wallis following OTAs. He’s a former wide receiver from Randolph Macon-College (Ashland, Virginia). Before joining the Patriots, he was named first team All-Region by D3football.com this past year. He ranked first in the ODAC and 32nd in the nation with 957 receiving yards in 2023. He also led the conference with 18.1 yards per catch. Wallis also wrapped up his career with a program record of 34 total receiving touchdowns.

Hekker in his prime, was one of the best punters in the league. He’s currently listed at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, so he’s definitely bigger than your average punter. Last year for the Panthers, he averaged 46.8 yards per punt, with a long punt of 69 yards. From 2012-2021, he spent his time with the LA Rams, earning Pro Bowl status four times (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017). Hekker also led the NFL in punting yards in 2015 and 2016.

He’s been one of the best punters in the league over the years and even uncorked a 65-yard punt in the Super Bowl, the longest in Super Bowl history. Hekker has also not been afraid to experiment with different style punts or try different things over the years, so it’s not surprising to see him to have a little fun with the taunting. In 2023, he even shoved a Dolphins defender and headbutted them.

More on the Patriots and Panthers preseason matchup

The Patriots handled the Panthers in Thursday night’s game, 17-3. New England rookie quarterback Drake Maye saw the first live action of his pro career. Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte came down with one of the best catches in the game, a 28-yarder tossed above his head. The catch setup the only score in the first half. Another Patriots quarterback, Joe Milton, had a strong debut. He led two scoring drives in the fourth quarter on Thursday evening. One of the highlights for Milton was a 38-yard touchdown toss to JaQuae Jackson.