The Michigan Panthers are trying to find an answer at the kicking position, and have brought in Chris Blewitt to compete with B.T. Potter for the gig. Clearly, it’s not easy to replace Jake Bates – the superstar who made his way to the Lions.
News: The Michigan Panthers are signing K Chris Blewitt (h/t @UFLShadow).
Blewitt has spent a couple of seasons in spring ball, with the @USFLMaulers & @USFLStallions.
With Austin Jones released, @USFLPanthers bring in more kicking competition. #UFL pic.twitter.com/UxCHVErCEP
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 17, 2025
This move is no surprise, as we spoke with Panthers’ special teams coordinator Jaron Fairman last weekend, who hinted at Michigan bringing in a new kicker. According to Jaron, Potter has been consistent from “within 50 yards”, but it’s the longer range kicks that he’s struggled with.
Originally, the Panthers brought in Austin Jones – the former New Jersey General – to compete with B.T. for the job. Austin was let go last week, and now Blewitt comes in as his replacement.
Blewitt has been one of spring football’s most consistent kickers over the past two years. He began his career with the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL, joining the team ahead of week three – and immediately setting a USFL record with five made field goals in one game.
His first week in the league and he’s already winning awards 🙌
Your Week 3 Special Teams Player of the Week is @USFLMaulers kicker Chris Blewitt 🔨🦵 pic.twitter.com/knNUuHkWhz
— USFL (@USFL) May 1, 2023
Chris was stellar all year long, making clutch kick after clutch kick for Pittsburgh. In the playoffs, Blewitt knocked through a massive 59 yarder to keep the Maulers in the game.
The Birmingham Stallions picked Chris up in the Dispersal Draft process, following the Maulers’ dissolution in the merger. Because of an injury, Chris played in just three regular season games – but he was 8-9 on field goal attempts with a long of 46. He was able to return to the team for the postseason push, helping the Stallions earn their third straight Championship title.
Chris Blewitt makes it 25-0 🙌#GiddyUp pic.twitter.com/ibWkLQZILH
— B2B2B CHAMPION STALLIONS 🏆🏆🏆 (@USFLStallions) June 16, 2024
Additionally, Blewitt was solid on kickoffs for the Stallions. He averaged 70.4 yards per kick, as one of the better kickoff specialists in the UFL.
With Birmingham bringing Harrison Mevis into the fold, they decided to let Chris go, without giving him a chance to compete in camp. Now, Blewitt will have the opportunity to take on B.T. Potter in Michigan.
In other Panthers-related news, we’ve confirmed that the team let go OT Duro Ajayi. Duro just signed a deal with the IFL’s Tucson Sugar Skulls, after spending about a week with Michigan in camp.
What are your thoughts on Chris Blewitt making his way to the Michigan Panthers? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
