The New England Patriots have made the surprise move of cutting punter Danny Baugher, signing veteran Chris Hanson.

Hanson, 30, is a seven-year veteran who has spent the bulk of his career with Jacksonville, though he was in camp in New Orleans this year. Last season, 20 of his 58 punts -- average distance 40.6 yards -- were downed inside the 20-yard line.

Baugher seemingly had beaten out two other punters, veteran Josh Miller and untested Tom Malone, to win the job in New England before the move.

The move was first reported in today's New Bedford Standard-Times print edition.