TWITTER-TEMPLATES-1-3
At this time last week, the Buffalo Bills released their veteran punter, Matt Haack, and handed the job to rookie Matt Araiza. Just a few days later, Matt Araiza was accused in a civil lawsuit of partaking in the gang-rape of a 17-year-old, intoxicated high school female, last year at San Diego State University. The Bills did not release the rookie right away and took a few days to gather details on the situation. Then, after a serious outcry from football fans everywhere, the team decided to move on from Araiza and not let his situation become a distraction to the team. The move left them with a vacant spot at punter. Luckily, some good veteran options became available for them, ahead of complete roster cutdown day.
A shocking name that became available is Brett Kern. He was released by the Tennessee Titans Monday after being the team’s punter since 2009. The 36-year-old is a three-time pro-bowler, and former first team All-Pro in 2019. Kern averaged 44.8 yards per punt last season, and 1,896 net yards on 46 total punts. He is still considered widely as one of the best punters in the league. Kern is a Grand Island, New York native, and Tim Graham of the Athletic is reporting the Bills have been in contact with his camp already. He is reportedly “not in a rush to make a decision and is weighing all of his options before deciding where to continue his career,” according to NYup reporter, Ryan Talbot. If the Bills can land Kern, it would be a nice replacement for the “Punt God.”
If the Bills do not get Kern, they could turn to the also recently released Sam Martin. Martin reportedly refused a pay reduction, so the Broncos opted to cut him. Statistically, Martin was a top five punter last season and set the Broncos all-time record for net punting yards, per Ian Rapoport. He ranked third in the NFL in net punting average at 42.8 yards per punt, while also tying for fifth in the league with 28 punts inside the 20-yard line. The 32-year-old would be a nice addition for the open Bills’ job and will likely draw interest from many teams looking for punting help.
Titans Bengals 164
On Sunday, the team brought in five punters to workout but have not signed any of them yet. The front office is likely waiting till after cuts to see who becomes available, like how Kern and Martin surprisingly did. Teams must have their 53-man roster set by Tuesday at 4:00 pm eastern time and more options could become available. The Bills also reached out to Marquette King, although he has not punted in the league in a few years. As of now, Kern and Martin are their top two options and would be a nice addition to the team.
