The Green Bay Packers made it official by releasing struggling punter Derrick Frost on Monday (today). Frost was averaging 42.1 yards per punt, which ranked 26th in the NFL. His 36.1 net average also ranked 26th.
The Packers had released Jon Ryan at the end of training camp, looking to improve the position. Ryan currently ranks 9th in gross average (46.4) and 17th in net (37.9).
Frost had become a target of both the media and the fans after punting poorly much of the season. Last week, he uncorked punts of 24 and 26 yards in a loss to the Saints on Monday night. One would have assumed that might have been the last straw. But the Packers buried their head in the sand and would hear nothing of it. Then after a couple of very average punts on Sunday in the loss to the Panthers, the boo's came as loud as I've heard them in some time at Lambeau Field.
Clearly, the fans wanted Frost gone and although the Packers are saying that had nothing to do with his release today, how could it not be. The Packers say Frost's release was based on the numbers. If that were entirely true, then he would have been let go a week ago, or even sooner.
Frost was the holder for kicker Mason Crosby. That job will now go to backup quarterback Jon Ryan.
As for the new punter, the Packers have already worked out a number of punters some time ago. They'll likely call a few of them back for an audition on Tuesday with the winner to get the job.