Exclusive; Bills Veteran Under Fire After ‘Ugly’ Performance at Practice

Despite the Buffalo Bills’ loyalty to their kicker Tyler Bass following some slip-ups towards the end of last season, a recent report indicates that he still encounters issues during the team’s offseason practices.

Bass’ field goal success rate last season was only 82.8%, which is slightly higher than his rookie year’s career-low mark. His missed kicks gained notable attention, especially the wide right one during the team’s loss against Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round of playoffs, further highlighting his tough period on-field.

At the team’s June 12 practice, Bass was reported by Batavia Daily News journalist Alex Brasky to still be struggling as he missed multiple kicks from various distances.

‘Ugly’ Misses for Tyler Bass

During Wednesday’s practice, Brasky observed that Bass had a 3-for-7 record on kicks, which included two misses within the range of 40 yards.

Tyler Bass had a rough time during #Bills Wednesday minicamp, according to Brasky. He missed his initial attempts from 45 and two tries at 35 yards. On the positive side, he did hit kicks of 50 yards twice but failed on another attempt from 45 yards out. Ultimately, he finished one-for-two when attempting field goals from a distance of fifty years away later in practice that day. Overall last season, Tyler’s final stat for successful field goal percentage was quite disappointing – coming in at only eighty-three percent accurate.

Prior to this week’s practice, there were already indications of growing unease over Bass. Jay Skurski from the Buffalo News expressed his concern in a mailbag column on June 1, citing Bass’ subpar performance last season and proposing that the Bills might consider bringing in competition for him during training camp.

Bass’ contract would incur a $4.42 million charge on the 2024 salary cap and the Bills could only save $100,000 in cap space if they chose to terminate his employment; thus Skurski suggested that financial considerations may motivate them to retain him.

Skurski stated that the Bills’ optimal outcome from a financial perspective would be for Bass to replicate his performance during 2021 and 2022 when he successfully converted over 87% of his field-goal attempts in each season.

In a report by Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic, it was highlighted that Bass is mostly remembered for his missed kick and may encounter expectations to improve in 2024.

Fairburn wrote that the Bills were influenced by his robust leg when they offered him a four-year contract extension last offseason, but he must regain his momentum following an inconsistent season in 2023.

Even after the season-ending defeat, Sean McDermott – the coach of Bills maintained his faith in Bass and expressed confidence that this experienced kicker will improve next season.

McDermott expressed his unwavering trust in Tyler, stating that he will be the starting point and endpoint. Nevertheless, there are certain kicks to make along the way which McDermott acknowledged via reporter Jori Epstein on X. Nonetheless, he firmly believes that Tyler is capable of making necessary changes during this offseason.

Bills Making Other Moves on Special Teams

According to NYup.com’s Matt Parrino, there might be a significant shift in the Bills’ special teams soon. Undrafted free agent punter Jack Browning is expected to replace veteran Sam Martin as the starting player and potentially force him out of the team.

Despite being under contract for the next two seasons as per his three-year, $6 million agreement, Martin is at risk of losing favor with the Bills. Parrino revealed that their preference lies in having athletic punters who possess top-notch control and power – qualities Browning evidently possesses.

Parrino stated in his early forecast of the team’s ultimate 53-man roster, “Here comes a bit of an unexpected surprise.” Although their undrafted free agent class was not yet official, he anticipated that San Diego State punter Jack Browning would sign with the Bills. A brief search on YouTube revealed favorable evaluations for Browning who will participate in a critical competition for the punting position this summer.