Bills UDFA kicker impresses in training camp with his mechanics, consistency

As fans attending Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University have their eyes glued to the positional battles taking place in the receiving corps and defensive backfield, an under-the-radar special teams competition is heating up.

Undrafted free agent Jack Browning is looking to fill veteran kicker Sam Martin’s spot on the depth chart. The San Diego State product is coming off a college career in which his punts averaged 45.8 yards; he also served as the Aztecs’ kicker, connecting on 74.5 percent of his field goal attempts and 100 percent of his extra points throughout his time in Southern California.

An undrafted free agent making a team, especially one as talented as the Bills, is a tough ask, but Browning has a legitimate opportunity given Martin’s inconsistencies late last season. He’s already made an impact on special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley, who praised the rookie’s subtleties ahead of Sunday’s training camp practice.

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“One of the coolest things about Jack is his mechanics when he catches the ball,” Smiley said. “His release time is naturally very quick. That was true in college, that was true when he kicked two days ago. He has very consistent mechanics when it comes to catching and setting his pattern, and his leg strength is there, obviously. When it comes to adjusting his release time, it’s very difficult sometimes, especially with a young player, so the fact that he already has that is a big help.”

Given that he was also San Diego State’s kicker, Browning hasn’t been a consistent starter throughout his college career, which could be seen as a disadvantage as he tries to stay on Buffalo’s roster. Smiley revealed that Browning served as a backup for the Aztecs and, as a result, has gotten reps in practice; the coordinator has been pleased with what he’s seen from the rookie in that role so far.

“He’s really good at holding the ball,” Smiley said. “He’s got good hands, you have to know, once you’re working with a new kicker, what that kicker looks like. What kind of slant does he like? There’s a learning curve, but he’s got good hands and he’s got experience as a starter.”

The biggest obstacle standing between Browning and a roster spot isn’t necessarily Martin, but the veteran’s contract — he’s currently under contract through the 2025 season, and Buffalo would lose money by releasing him this year. That said, Browning’s undrafted free-agent deal runs through the 2026 season and carries incredibly affordable salary cap space; having a punter on a team for the long term and in favor of the team is advantageous, assuming they perform.

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