Broncos Claim former Steelers Punter Corliss Waitman from Waivers

The Denver Broncos have claimed punter Corliss Waitman off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the NFL transactions page for Monday.

Waitman was waived on Saturday as the Steelers decided to go back to Pressley Harvin III as their punter after Waitman impressed in two games as a fill-in.

In two games as the Steelers’ punter, Waitman kicked seven times, with a 52.1-yard average and a 42.6-yard net average. His longest kick was a 63-yarder at Kansas City in Week 16. One of his kicks was downed inside the 20-yard line (14%) and one went for a touchback (14%). The other five punts were all returned (71%).

It seemed clear that Waitman had the more impressive leg in terms of absolute distance, but the Steelers apparently put greater value on Harvin’s ability to prevent returns and down opponents deep in their own territory.

Harvin responded with one of his best games of the season in the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs, punting seven times for a 49.7-yard average.

By rule, teams are not allowed to add players claimed on waivers during the playoffs until after the Super Bowl, so Waitman’s 2021 season is over.

Veteran Sam Martin has been Denver’s punter since 2020. He averaged 46 yards per kick this season.