The New York Giants made a major investment in their special teams this offseason, signing former Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout to a record-breaking deal. So, what makes a punter worth that kind of commitment? Giants special teams coordinator Chris Horton, who coached Stout in Baltimore, broke it down this week.

"Jordan got paid off of production," Horton stated plainly. "This is a production-based business. When you look at all the things he can do on the field, for us punting is about protecting the punt and flipping the field. Jordan gives you that."

Horton highlighted the complete package Stout brings: elite leg strength for field-flipping kicks, pinpoint accuracy to pin opponents deep inside their own 10-yard line, and reliability as a holder for field goals. In today's NFL, where kickoff rule changes are shifting field position, a weapon like Stout who can consistently win the hidden yardage battle is invaluable.

Horton's own move to the Giants reunites him with head coach John Harbaugh, a relationship dating back to 2014 in Baltimore. He described Harbaugh as "about as authentic as they come," emphasizing a shared vision and high standard. "You’ve just got to understand that he’s not just a special teams coach," Horton noted. "He understands the defense. He understands the offense in pretty depth. For me, it’s understanding the expectations."

This foundation of trust and a proven system is what Horton aims to build upon in New York, starting with a cornerstone player in Jordan Stout. It's a clear signal that the Giants are prioritizing the often-overlooked third phase of the game, betting that elite special teams play can be a tangible difference-maker.