Exclusive: Bills Veteran’s Struggles Called ‘Cause for Concern’ Heading Into Season
This summer, the Buffalo Bills may face unforeseen competition in their special teams department, despite enjoying years of stability courtesy of reliable kicker Tyler Bass.
An article in the Buffalo News’ mailbag column on June 1st by Jay Skurski proposed that Bass’s performance during the later part of the season could be worrisome for Bills. According to Skurski, his declining accuracy might become a “cause for concern” and speculated that it was possible for another kicker to emerge as competition against him.
Skurski stated that it is reasonable to have anxieties regarding Bass’ performance in 2024. Ultimately, his inadequacy during the previous season’s playoffs leaves room for questioning. Given this, Skurski finds it unexpected that the Bills did not acquire any challengers for Bass during their offseason endeavors.
Bills Could Have Financial Incentive to Keep Tyler Bass
Bass finished the season with a field goal success rate of 82.8%, slightly higher than his record low during his rookie year. However, one crucial miss that occurred in a divisional-round defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs brought attention to his challenges. Bass had an opportunity to level the game but unfortunately missed from 44 yards on the right-hand side.
Skurski highlighted that it would be a costly endeavor for the Bills to dismiss Bass due to his contract amounting to $4.42 million against the 2024 salary cap, and releasing him would only result in minimal savings of $100,000.
Skurski wrote that the Bills’ most favorable outcome would be for Bass to regain his 2021 and 2022 form, during which he successfully converted over 87% of his field-goal attempts, resulting in a positive financial impact.
Despite his struggles last season, the Bills remained loyal to Bass. Following their final game against the Chiefs, Head Coach Sean McDermott expressed confidence in the veteran kicker’s ability to make any necessary adjustments and regain top form for next year.
McDermott expressed his unwavering trust in Tyler, stating that he is confident both at the beginning and end of their journey. However, McDermott acknowledged that there are certain goals they need to achieve along the way – specifically improvement on kicks. Though ultimately, McDermott believes without a doubt that Tyler will take all necessary measures during this offseason to correct any issues and succeed going forward.
However, the Bills have been open to letting go of experienced players. Throughout this offseason, they made several decisions aimed at reducing their salary cap by releasing renowned individuals such as Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer and Mitch Morse while also revamping Von Miller’s deal as an edge rusher.
Bills Looking Outside the Box on Special Teams
According to Skurski, the Bills may be considering getting rid of one of Bass’s primary responsibilities – kickoffs. Due to recent changes in league regulations that promote kick returns, certain teams have proposed converting a position player into kicker as an added competent tackler on the coverage team.
According to Skurski, the Bills have already tested out several players for kicking duties.
Skurski wrote that a few years ago, Dawson Knox, Micah Hyde and Matt Barkley all made attempts at extra points during a training camp practice. Among the three players mentioned, only Knox remains with the team as of now.
