The Buffalo Bills reaffirmed their support for Tyler Bass despite his late-season challenges, but recent reports indicate ongoing struggles as the team gathers for offseason practices.
Last season, Bass had a field goal success rate of just 82.8%, slightly better than his career-low from his rookie year. His difficulties were highlighted by notable misses, including a crucial kick that went wide right during the team’s divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to Alex Brasky of the Batavia Daily News, Bass continues to face difficulties, missing multiple kicks from various distances during the team’s June 12 practice session.
Rasky observed that Bass struggled during Wednesday’s practice, going 3-for-7 on kicks, including two misses from distances within 40 yards. “It was a rough session for Tyler Bass at #Bills Wednesday minicamp,” Brasky remarked. “He missed his first three attempts from 45, 35, and 35 yards, then hit from 50, missed from 45, and hit from 50 again. Later, he made 1 out of 2 kicks from 50 yards. Bass ended last season with an disappointing 83% field goal success rate.”
Concerns about Bass had been mounting even before this week’s practice difficulties. In a June 1 mailbag column, Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News highlighted worries based on his performance last season and suggested the Bills might consider bringing in competition for the kicking role during training camp.
‘Ugly’ Misses for Tyler Bass
Skurski pointed out the financial incentive for the Bills to retain Bass, noting his $4.42 million impact on the 2024 salary cap and minimal savings of $100,000 if released. “Financially, the Bills’ best-case scenario is for Bass to return to his 2021 and 2022 form, when he converted over 87% of his field-goal attempts in both seasons,” Skurski wrote.
Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic emphasized that Bass faces pressure to rebound in 2024, with his inconsistent 2023 season leaving fans with the memory of missed kicks. Fairburn noted that the Bills’ decision to sign Bass to a four-year contract extension last offseason was driven by his powerful leg, but he needs to regain consistency.
Despite the challenges, Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed confidence in Bass following the season-ending loss, believing the veteran kicker will make necessary adjustments this offseason. “I am confident in Tyler. I believe in him,” McDermott stated through reporter Jori Epstein on X. “But yes, there are kicks we need to make, and I’m very confident he’ll put in the work to get it right.”
Bills Making Other Moves on Special Teams
The Bills could be headed to another big change on special teams. NYup.com’s Matt Parrino predicted that undrafted free agent punter Jack Browning could take over starting duties and push veteran Sam Martin off the roster.
Martin had signed a three-year, $6 million contract and remains under contract through the next two seasons, but Parrino noted that the Bills “like athletic punters” with good control and power, and Browning fits the bill.
“Here’s a bit of a curveball,” Parrino wrote in his early prediction of the team’s final 53-man roster. “The Bills haven’t even made their undrafted free agent class official yet, but they’re expected to sign San Diego State punter Jack Browning. A quick YouTube search yields positive reviews on Browning, who will enter an important competition at punter this summer.”
