Former Lions Punter Sam Martin Hits Free Agency Again
After spending the first seven years of his NFL career in Detroit, veteran punter Sam Martin is once again looking for a new home. The Buffalo Bills announced his release on Thursday, marking the third time Martin has been on the move since leaving the Lions in 2020.
Martin, who had one year and $1.9 million left on his contract, played three seasons in Buffalo, averaging 46.7 yards per punt. In 2024, he placed 25 of his 54 punts inside the 20-yard line while recording just five touchbacks—a sign of his precision as a specialist. Before his time with the Bills, Martin spent two seasons with the Denver Broncos.
Now set to enter free agency, the 34-year-old will likely seek another opportunity with a team in need of a steady veteran presence in the kicking game. While the Lions have Jack Fox locked in as their punter, Martin’s experience and reliability could still make him an option for teams looking to upgrade at the position.
