Bills Predicted to Cut $6 Million Veteran After Signing UDFA

The Buffalo Bills did not choose a punter in the 2024 NFL draft, but they found a powerful leg immediately afterward. Jack Browning, who went undrafted out of San Diego State, signed with the Buffalo Bills on April 27, according to his agent.

The Bills rookie minicamp has yet to begin, but NYup.com’s Matt Parrino expects Browning will replace veteran Sam Martin. Martin, who inked a three-year, $6 million agreement with Buffalo, is under contract until the 2025 season.

Parrino also anticipates that Jack Browning will win the punting job over Matt Haack, who the Bills brought back on a one-year, $1.125 million contract in March.

In his 53-man roster projection, Parrino presents Browning as a potential surprise addition. Despite the Bills not officially announcing their undrafted free agent signings yet, it’s expected that they will sign San Diego State punter Jack Browning. Initial feedback on Browning from sources like YouTube suggests promise, setting the stage for a crucial competition at punter during the upcoming summer.

 

 

Parrino notes that the Bills’ current punter, Martin, has been performing at an average level, while Haack’s return is primarily attributed to his proficiency in holding for kicks. With kicker Tyler Bass experiencing a dip in performance last season, Haack’s accuracy could help boost field goal percentages back to near 90%. The Bills prefer punters with athleticism, control, and power, qualities that Browning embodies, positioning him as a contender for the role.

The #Bills are signing San Diego State UDFA punter Jack Browning, per his agency @BLSportsGroup. #BuiltInBuffalo | #BillsMafia | #GoBills pic.twitter.com/4j0doXHft1

— Built in Buffalo (@BuiltInBuffalo_) April 28, 2024

Browning, who served as a team captain last season, handled both punting and kicking duties for the Aztecs over the past two years. In 2023, he averaged 45.4 yards per punt, improving upon his 2022 average of 46.1 yards. Additionally, he boasted a 74.5% success rate on field goals (35-of-47) and a perfect record on extra points (53 of 53). Notably, Browning clinched the 2022 Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year title and set a new school and conference record with a 61-yard field goal in September.

Comparatively, Martin, the Bills’ incumbent punter, concluded the previous regular season with an average of 45.76 yards per punt, ranking 28th in the NFL.