After one season with the Texas Longhorns, kicker Mason Shipley is taking his talents to New Orleans. The Texas native signed with the Saints on Saturday night and will now battle for a roster spot. He will begin his NFL career following a very productive season in Austin that helped raise his stock.
During his time as a Longhorn, Shipley made 20 of his 24 field goals. He was automatic on extra points, making all 48 of his attempts. The Liberty Hill High Alum was also very good from under 50 yards, making 18 of his 19 kicks. While his Longhorns career was brief, he brought stability to the kicking game.
Before calling Austin home, Shipley spent the first three years of his college career at Texas State. He was one of the best kickers in the nation during his tenure, missing only four field goals in three seasons. As Shipley looks to prove that he can be an important part of the Saints’ future, he will hope to replicate that success.
While Shipley had a reason to celebrate, he wasn’t the only undrafted Longhorn that caught on with an NFL team. His former teammates who signed free agent deals include Ethan Burke, Matthew Caldwell, Travis Shaw, Jack Bouwmeester, and Jaylon Guilbeau. That group will be looking to prove that they belong in the NFL and can be impact pieces.
On a rebuilding Saints team, Shipley should have plenty of opportunities to be part of their future. If he can be as accurate as he was during his college career, then it will be hard for New Orleans not to keep him around.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Former Longhorn K Mason Shipley signs his first NFL deal with Saints
Reporting by Jamie Gatlin, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
