Kicker & Punter

[Bear Hands]

This hasn't got much attention.  I can usually, quickly name these guys and all I knew this year is we picked up the FSU kid.  He was a top college kicker but a UDFA and was competing with an older FA pickup (and forgot who). So here it is:

 

Kickers:

Matthew Wright - Age 30

He has changed teams every season of his career.  Even more than per season, 8 teams since 2020.

But volume was low, 7-11 career over 50 yards

https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3128444/matthew-wright  

Ryan Fitzgerald - Rookie

Final 2 seasons of school was 115/116 on XPs, 32/34 FGs.  Hit (6) over 50 last season including a 59.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4568263/ryan-fitzgerald

 

It seems Wright is in front from camp stuff coming out, but I hope we give Fitzgerald a clear shot.  Don't see Wright as a remotely long term or trusting option.

 

Punter:

Sam Martin - Age 35 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/15928/sam-martin

Averaged in the 22-26th-ish rank last season as the punter for the Bills.  Though looking more advanced, he was good at pinning opponents near their own endzone with a higher inside 20 yl %

 

 

Interested to gauge how we all think of this situation.  It's harder to get too in depth here, but we've been used to Hekker and some decent kickers (Kasay, Gano, Tattooboy).