Buffalo Bills are anticipated to release a veteran player with a $6 million contract following the signing of an undrafted free agent. Despite not selecting a punter in the 2024 NFL draft, the Bills swiftly secured Jack Browning, an undrafted talent from San Diego State, who inked a deal with the team on April 27, as confirmed by his agency.
Although the Bills’ rookie minicamp is yet to commence, Matt Parrino from NYup.com foresees Browning overtaking the position held by veteran Sam Martin, who signed a three-year, $6 million contract with Buffalo, extending through the 2025 season.
Parrino further anticipates Browning surpassing Matt Haack, who was re-signed by the Bills in March to a one-year, $1.125 million deal. In his 53-man roster projection, Parrino suggests that Browning, despite not yet being officially part of the Bills’ undrafted free agent class, is expected to join and compete for the punter position during the summer.
Browning, who served as a team captain last season, demonstrated his versatility by handling both punting and kicking duties for the Aztecs over the past two years. Notably, in 2023, he boasted an average punt of 45.4 yards, while in 2022, it was 46.1 yards. As a kicker, Browning showcased accuracy by making 74.5% of his field goals and converting 100% of extra points. His impressive record includes setting a new school and conference record with a 61-yard field goal in September, earning him the title of the 2022 Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year.
Contrastingly, Martin’s performance last season saw him rank 28th in the NFL with an average punt distance of 45.76 yards during the regular season.
