Falcons Bring In Matthew Hayball, And The 90-Man Roster Rule Doesn't Apply To This Punter Battle

Alright 12s, you absolutely will not believe what's cooking down in Atlanta right now. The Falcons just snagged themselves another punter, Matthew Hayball, and let me tell you, this isn't just a regular old signing. This guy, an Aussie talent, is coming in hot after a tryout this week during their mandatory minicamp. And the absolute kicker, no pun intended? He won't even count against their 90-man roster limit! What kind of next-level roster wizardry is that?

Hayball's History: From Saints Starter to Falcon Tryout

So, who is Matthew Hayball? This isn't some fresh-faced rookie. The dude actually handled punting duties for the Saints way back in the 2024 season. He put up 40.4 net yards per kick across 17 games for New Orleans, a pretty solid run. But then, boom! He was released last August and didn't play anywhere else during 2025. You gotta wonder what went down there, right? Now, after being out of the game for a whole season, he tries out for the Falcons during their mandatory minicamp this week, and BAM, he's officially signed on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Talk about a comeback for a guy trying to get back in the league!

The Roster Twist: A Punter Battle That Doesn't Count

Here's where it gets wild for those of us who follow roster moves. The Falcons alrea

Trade on Every Game with Kalshi

Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.

dy brought in Jake Bailey as a free agent this offseason to handle their punting. So now, they've got two serious contenders heading to camp, ready to battle it out. But the *real* spicy part? Hayball is Australian, and the Falcons actually pulled off an international player exemption for him. That means this dude doesn't even touch their 90-man roster limit! Seriously, can you imagine? It's like finding a hidden trick in the rulebook. While we're in the Emerald City, hyped for Sam Darnold slinging it to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp at Lumen Field, the Falcons are playing chess with special teams. This strategic move says they're dead serious about intense competition and finding every edge. It's an interesting strategy, one that leaves us wondering if Brian Fleury and Mike Macdonald are taking notes. Our Seahawks are always looking for an edge, right? So, what's next for Atlanta's punting squad? They're headed to camp with Hayball and Bailey, ready to see who comes out on top. It's a prime reminder that every single position matters in the NFL, even punter, and teams are getting creative. For us, the 12s, we'll keep our eyes locked on Lumen Field, waiting for our Seahawks to get that season kicked off! We're ready to bleed green and blue! Until then, let's keep repping that green and blue, and look forward to seeing Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp light it up this year! Go Hawks!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.