Sam

Martin

Martin was released by the Bills on Thursday, and it didn’t take too long for the 35-year-old to find a new home. The veteran punter averaged 46.7 yards per punt and ranked 11th with 46.3 percent of his punts landing inside of the 20-yard line. The Panthers offense looked vastly improved at the end of 2024, but he should get plenty of chances to punt the football in 2025.

Martin was set to enter the final year in his contract and had discussed an extension with the team. Now, the two sides will part ways in a move that will save the Bills $1.885 million against the cap for next season. Still a reliable punter, Martin averaged 46.7 yards per punt while landing 46.3 percent of his punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line — the 11th highest mark among qualified punters. Martin should have plenty of opportunities to continue his career this offseason and will likely get a chance to compete for a job in camp.

Martin was hurt while chasing down a blocked field goal late in the second quarter. He immediately went into the blue medical tent but remained on the sideline with the other specialists. It seems as though he will still be able to hold kicks for Tyler Bass, but he may not be able to punt, which could be problematic for the Bills if they face fourth downs deep in their own territory during the second half of their Wild Card Round game against the Steelers.

Martin signed with the Bills after the Bills parted ways with rookie punter Matt Araiza. Making the most of his opportunity, Martin averaged 47.7 yards per punt and ranked seventh on PFF in punts returned rate at 35.6 percent. Martin will receive $4.115 million in guaranteed money to return to Buffalo and is under contract through the 2025 season.

Martin was released by Denver earlier in the week in a salary-saving move but quickly lands on his feet with another AFC contender after the Bills decided to part ways with rookie P Matt Araiza amidst rape allegations. Martin, 32, was fourth among all punters in net average last season. He shouldn’t have to kick much for Buffalo.

Martin has been a top-end NFL punter for the past few seasons, so this move comes as something of a surprise. Martin said this offseason that he would not accept a pay cut to remain in Denver. Martin, who had the league’s fifth highest net punting average in 2021, will surely get another chance elsewhere in 2022.

Denver also got back P Sam Martin, so their special teams corps will be intact for the season finale. McManus has converted 25-of-30 field goals this season including a 61 yarder last week.

After being selected with a fifth-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Martin has spent all seven of his years with the Lions, so he definitely has received his fair share of in-game reps. Martin was considered one of the top punters on the market.

Martin and Blake Clingan will compete for the Lions’ punting job.

Yes, a 1-AA punter. Martin becomes the first punter the Lions have drafted since 1984, when they took Mike Saxon. He was a first-team All-American last season, having 25 of his 60 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. Out of his 71 kickoffs, 45 went for touchbacks. Last year’s incumbent, Nick Harris, is an unrestricted free agent that the Lions have shown no interest in re-signing.