The New England Patriots could emerge as suitors for a free-agent talent who was part of the Buffalo Bills roster in 2022/23.
The Pats missed out on the playoffs and struggled at quarterback, with Mac Jones now thought to be a trade possibility. But Bill Belichick’s team also had difficulty with punting throughout the term.
They appeared to have that department all sorted as Jake Bailey seemed to have settled in the pros after getting drafted in 2019. But his performances took a hit after he signed an extension with the team and he was among the worst punters in the league during the term as he averaged a meager 42.1 yards per attempt and 35.2 yards net.
Despite having signed Bailey to a new deal, the Patriots wouldn’t have a tough time getting out of it. They could also be monitoring the situation with Sam Martin, who spent last season with the Bills on a one-year deal after being cut by the Denver Broncos.
Martin played out one of the best campaigns of his career, registering averages of 47.7 yards per boot and 42.1 yards net. He got five touchbacks, while 35.6 percent of his punts landed inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.
The 32-year-old was one of the league’s best punters in 2022, which shouldn’t have come as a surprise given that he’s been a solid player at his position all of his career. Given his age, he wouldn’t be a long-term solution to the Patriots’ problems, but they can certainly use someone of his quality in the meantime.
