Bills turn to second punter of 2025 season

Johnston, who shouldn’t be confused with Bill Burr, has found a job with his fourth NFL squad for his ninth NFL season. He had separate three-year stints punting for the Eagles and Texans, averaging 47.3 yards per punt and 42.2 net yards per punt. The veteran inked a three-year deal with the Steelers last offseason but suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1. He had an opportunity to reclaim his role during this year’s preseason, but he was cut after losing out on the gig to Corliss Waitman.

Now, he’ll look to revive his career in Buffalo. With Sam Martin departing for the Panthers, the Bills initially landed on Robbins as their new punter. The 26-year-old got four looks during the season opener, averaging 39.5 yards and 38 net yards on his punts. The Bills apparently had no interest in seeing if he could improve on those averages, as the team is already turning to their second punter of the 2025 campaign.

According to Howard Balzer, Johnston was one of three punters to get a look from Buffalo. Matthew Hayball and Ryan Stonehouse also auditioned for the team today.

In other special teams news, the Bills have signed kicker Matt Prater to the active roster. The veteran was a standard practice squad elevation for the season opener, a game in which he converted a dramatic game-winning field goal. With Tyler Bass landing on IR last week and being forced off the field for at least four games, Prater will have a secure spot on the 53-man roster for the time being.