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          NFL Nation

          Texans bring back reliable punter Shane Lechler

          The Texans' Shane Lechler had 30 punts downed inside the 20-yard line in 2016. Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire
          • Sarah BarshopMar 7, 2017, 11:00 PM ET
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              Sarah Barshop covers the Los Angeles Rams for ESPN. She joined ESPN in 2016 to cover the Green Bay Packers for ESPN Milwaukee. She then moved to Houston to cover the Texans. She came to ESPN after working as a writer and editor for Sports Illustrated.
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          ESPN 150 ranking: 123

          Grade -- A: After the season, Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien said he was hoping to bring Shane Lechler back, and the Texans were able to do so before he hit free agency. Lechler is one of the best punters in NFL history, and the Texans know what they will be getting from him next year.

          What it means: Lechler’s signing gives the Texans continued consistency from the punter position, something O’Brien said is so valuable, especially late in games. O’Brien also said after the season that “it’s really good to see that from a veteran player who’s been around a long time, so that the younger players can see how you can improve even when you are 17 or 18 years into the game.” Lechler had 30 punts stay inside the 20-yard line and only three touchbacks last season.

          What’s the risk: There isn’t much of a risk signing Lechler, but if there is, it would be his age. Lechler will enter the 2017 season at the age of 41, and when the 2016 season ended, he hadn’t said whether he wanted to continue to play in the NFL. But he finished the regular season ranked No. 6 in gross punting average, averaging 47.5 yards per kick, and received high praise from O’Brien all season.