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Punter move

The Patriots have waived punter Danny Baugher and signed veteran Chris Hanson.

Hanson has spent time with the Packers (1999), Dolphins (2000) and Jaguars (2001-2006). He had signed with the Saints and was competing with Steve Weatherford in training camp, but was released by New Orleans on Tuesday. Hanson, who made the Pro Bowl in 2002, had attempted just five punts in preseason action. After six years as the Jaguars' punter, Hanson was bumped out when Jacksonville drafted Maryland punter Adam Podlesh at the top of the fourth round this year.

The Patriots' move came as a surprise to Baugher, who was the lone punter on the club's roster. Yet Baugher is open to returning to the team, according to his agent, Kristine Rosendahl, who explained that she is "working through things" and expected that Baugher would be back with the Patriots, either on the roster or practice squad.

"We trust their judgment," she said. "They believe in Danny and we believe in them."

The New Bedford (Mass.) Standard Times first reported on the move in its Thursday print editions.