In a strategic financial maneuver ahead of the NFL’s upcoming business year, the Buffalo Bills have parted ways with punter Sam Martin. This move was announced on Thursday and is the team’s initial step in managing their salary cap space more effectively.
Releasing the experienced 35-year-old Martin, who still had a year remaining on his contract, grants the Bills roughly $2 million in cap savings. However, with projections showing the team to be about $8.5 million over the cap, additional measures will be necessary, either via further player releases or through the restructuring of existing contracts to meet the league’s financial requirements.
Among potential strategies to alleviate cap pressure include negotiating a contract extension for quarterback Josh Allen, whose current cap hit is estimated at nearly $45 million. Another option is addressing the contract of veteran edge rusher Von Miller, whose role contributes nearly $24 million to the total cap. Releasing the soon-to-be 36-year-old Miller could free up at least $8.4 million, or he might opt to restructure his current agreement and accept lower pay, having agreed to such terms previously.
Sam Martin, who brought 12 seasons of NFL know-how to the table and was in his third season with Buffalo, managed an average of 46.7 yards per punt last season, placing him in a tie for 19th across the league. Furthermore, he ranked 11th in successfully punting 46.3% of his kicks inside the opponents’ 20-yard line (with 25 out of 54 attempts).
Despite these stats, the Bills were ranked 24th in the NFL with their total of 54 punts over the past season. Notably, Martin had a crucial punt blocked and returned for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams on December 8, which contributed to a close 44-42 defeat.
Before joining Buffalo in 2022, Martin spent the initial portion of his career with the Detroit Lions for seven seasons followed by a stint with the Denver Broncos for two years. His release is happening during a time of transition for Buffalo’s special teams, as a change in coordinator occurred when Chris Tabor replaced Matthew Smiley in January.
