It’s easy to ignore the punter. Most fans use that time to grab another beer or scream at the TV about a failed third-down conversion. But if you followed the Buffalo Bills over the last few seasons, you know Sam Martin wasn't just another guy kicking a ball into the stratosphere. He was the "coffin corner" specialist who kept opposing offenses pinned against their own goal line while Highmark Stadium shook with cold wind.
Then, he was gone.
In March 2025, the Bills made the tough call to release the veteran. It wasn't because he lost his leg—honestly, his 2024 numbers were solid—but because the NFL is a cold, hard business built on salary caps and youth movements.
The Sam Martin Buffalo Bills Era (2022-2024)
Martin arrived in Orchard Park under some pretty wild circumstances. Remember the Matt Araiza situation? The Bills needed a steady hand, and they needed it fast. They signed Martin on August 31, 2022, just days before the season opener.
He didn't just fill a gap. He became an anchor.
During his three-season stretch in Buffalo, Martin played in 50 regular-season games. He wasn't just punting; he was holding for Tyler Bass, a job that is way harder than it looks when you're dealing with Lake Erie's legendary wind gusts. In 2024, his final year in blue and red, he averaged 46.7 yards per punt. That’s basically half a football field every time he stepped on the grass.
But the stat that really mattered to Sean McDermott? The "Inside 20." In 2024, Martin dropped 25 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. That is 46.3% of his total punts. When you have a high-octane offense like Buffalo’s, you just need a punter who won't mess up the field position. Martin was that guy.
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The 2025 Release: Why'd They Do It?
Basically, it came down to cash.
Martin was 35 years old and set to count significantly against the 2025 cap. By releasing him, the Bills saved roughly $1.65 million in cap space. In a world where you're trying to pay Josh Allen and keep a championship window open, every million counts.
It felt weird seeing him leave. He had just signed a three-year, $7.5 million extension in 2023. You’d think that would mean security, but in the NFL, "three years" usually means "one year plus some options."
Life After Buffalo: The Carolina Move
If you're wondering where he is now, look south.
After his release from Buffalo, the Carolina Panthers snatched him up on a one-year deal. And guess what? He’s still got it. In Week 7 of the 2025 season, Martin actually won the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He pinned the Jets deep four times in a 13-6 win.
It’s kind of ironic. The Bills moved on to find someone younger and cheaper, while Martin went to Charlotte and proved he could still win games with his toe.
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Who Is Punting for the Bills Now?
The post-Martin era in Buffalo hasn't been a straight line. The team initially looked at players like Jake Camarda, but the 2025 season saw a bit of a revolving door due to injuries.
They signed Cameron Johnston, but a nasty foot/ankle injury in late September 2025 forced them to pivot. They ended up signing the Australian "Boomin' Onion," Mitch Wishnowsky, to handle the duties for the remainder of the 2025 campaign.
It’s a different vibe now. Wishnowsky has that Aussie rules style, whereas Martin was the classic American power-and-hang-time specialist.
What Most People Get Wrong About Punting in Buffalo
People think punting is just about kicking the ball as far as you can. In Buffalo? No way.
The wind at Highmark Stadium is a nightmare. It swirls. It dies. It suddenly gusts at 40 mph. Martin’s value wasn't just his leg strength; it was his ball control. He knew how to "deaden" the ball so it wouldn't bounce into the end zone for a touchback.
- Gross Average: 46.7 yards (2024)
- Net Average: 39.8 yards (2024)
- Longest Punt in Buffalo: 70 yards (2023)
- Touchbacks: Only 5 in 2024
When you compare those numbers to league averages, he was consistently in the top half of the league, but his "Inside 20" percentage was elite.
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The Holder Factor
You can't talk about Sam Martin without mentioning Tyler Bass.
Field goal kickers are superstitious creatures. They like the same holder, the same spot, the same rhythm. Martin was a pro's pro as a holder. When the Bills cut him, there was a legitimate concern about how it would affect Bass's accuracy.
Transitioning to a new holder mid-career is like trying to change your golf swing in the middle of a tournament. It's risky.
Final Verdict on the Sam Martin Era
Looking back, the Sam Martin Buffalo Bills era was a success. He provided stability during a chaotic time and helped the team win three straight AFC East titles while he was on the roster.
He didn't leave because he played poorly. He left because he was a 35-year-old punter making veteran money on a team that needed to find pennies under the couch cushions to stay under the cap.
If you're a Bills fan, you've gotta respect the guy. He handled the weather, held the kicks, and never complained when the cameras were focused on everyone else.
Next Steps for Following the Bills Special Teams:
- Monitor the 2026 Free Agency: Since many of the current punting contracts are one-year deals, expect Buffalo to be back in the market for a long-term solution this spring.
- Watch the Hang Time: If you're at a game, stop looking at your phone during punts. Watch how Wishnowsky (or whoever is back there) handles the wind compared to how Martin used to "slice" the ball through the gusts.
- Check the Cap: Keep an eye on the "Dead Money" column for the Bills in 2026; Martin's release left a small $400k hit, but the team is finally clear of most of that veteran specialist baggage now.
The leg might be in Carolina, but the impact Sam Martin had on Buffalo's field position battle won't be forgotten by the guys in the film room anytime soon.