The Michigan Panthers made two additions to their special teams unit over the weekend. Kicker Austin Jones and punter Seth Vernon have signed with the team, bringing competition to the specialists group with the Panthers.
The Michigan Panthers have added K Austin Jones, and P Seth Vernon to the roster, per @FOXSports.
Looks like the @USFLPanthers will be having some Special Teams competition after all.
B.T. Potter and Simon Laryea were both praised by Coach Nolan last week. #UFL
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 9, 2025
K Austin Jones
Jones is no stranger to spring football. The former Temple and Alabama product was a place kicker for the New Jersey Generals in 2022, in the USFL. That year, he was 7-11 on field goal attempts, with misses from 30-39 yards and 50+. Austin was brought in by the Generals to replace Nick Rose, and kicked from weeks 5-9. He was cut ahead of week 10.
Austin Jones from 50 yards out 👏🎖
📺: @USA_Network pic.twitter.com/GzhH9WEa8J
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 4, 2022
Jones also spent a bit of time in the XFL in 2023, with the Houston Roughnecks. He was 4-4 on field goal attempts that year, getting back on track. Jones stepped in for a time while Hunter Duplessis wasn’t active. Since then, though, he has remained as a free agent.
Now, Austin Jones will have the chance to compete for the starting kicking job with B.T. Potter, who was acquired this offseason to replace Jake Bates.
See also
P Seth Vernon
The Panthers decided to move on from trusty punter Brock Miller this offseason, and now find themselves with a decision to make, bringing in Seth Vernon. Michigan had originally brought in Simon Laryea to take over for Brock – but now, Vernon makes his way to the team to compete with Simon.
Vernon began his college career at Santa Rosa JC, racking up over 4,600 yards on punts across two seasons. He then transferred to Portland State, serving as their starting punter for three…