Former Bucs' 4th-round draft pick frontrunner to be new Bills punter in 2025

The Buffalo Bills signed a two-time All-SEC First Team punter to a reserve contract in January
Aug 11, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter Jake Camarda (5) punts against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Aug 11, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter Jake Camarda (5) punts against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills released veteran punter Sam Martin as a salary cap casualty, but not without already having a potential replacement under contract.

While Martin, who spent three full seasons with Buffalo, is headed to free agency, it seems as if Jake Camarda has an inside track to winning the job. Set to turn 26 years old in April, Camarda signed a reserve contract with the Bills at the conclusion of the 2024 regular season.

Whether it's through the draft, or adding a veteran free agent, Buffalo will most likely find competition for Camarda to go up against in the coming months, but the team obviously sees potential in the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers' starter

Jake Camarda (5) punts
Jan 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter Jake Camarda (5) punts against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Camarda did not miss a game during either of his first two seasons with the Bucs, averaging more than 41.0 net yards per punt over that span. In addition to punting, Camarda handled kickoff duties for Tampa Bay since arriving as the No. 133 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.

RELATED: Bills prevent longest-tenured player from reaching free agency

After reportedly beginning to slide in performance towards the end of the 2023 campaign, Camarda was cut loose by Tampa Bay this past October. Camarda, a former two-time All-Southeastern Conference First Team selection for the Georgia Bulldogs, posted a 50.1 punting average to finish sixth amongst NFL leaders in 2023.

In addition to a new punter, the Bills will have a new special teams coordinator in 2025 as Chris Tabor takes over.

Jake Camarda (90)
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs kicker Jake Camarda (90) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20+ years of media experience to Buffalo Bills ON SI. Prior to focusing on the Bills, he spent two years covering the New York Jets. Ventre initially joined the ON SI family in 2021, providing NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.