Buffalo Bills Bolster Special Teams: Prater, Johnston Signed, Robbins Released

David

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Post on Sep 10, 2025

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Buffalo Bills Bolster Special Teams: Prater, Johnston Signed; Robbins Released

The Buffalo Bills are making significant moves to strengthen their special teams unit, adding veteran kicker Matt Prater and linebacker/special teamer A.J. Johnson while releasing long-snapper Reid Ferguson. This strategic shake-up signals a clear commitment from the Bills to improve a phase of the game that has, at times, proven inconsistent.

The signing of Matt Prater brings a wealth of experience to the Bills' kicking game. With a long and successful NFL career, Prater boasts impressive accuracy and distance, offering a considerable upgrade over Tyler Bass's occasional inconsistencies in the past. Known for his clutch performances and ice-cold demeanor under pressure, Prater's addition instantly elevates the Bills' special teams unit's reliability. His career field goal percentage, consistently above 80%, speaks volumes about his proven ability to deliver when it matters most. This signing directly addresses a key area of concern for the Bills heading into the 2024 season.

Prater's Impact: The veteran kicker will likely compete with incumbent Tyler Bass, creating healthy competition and pushing both players to perform at their best. This competition will be beneficial for the overall performance of the special teams unit, ensuring a high level of reliability regardless of who takes the field.

Adding A.J. Johnson to the roster further strengthens the Bills' special teams prowess. Johnson, a known contributor on special teams throughout his career, provides a reliable and experienced presence on coverage and return units. His experience and tackling ability will bolster the Bills' already strong defensive units and help improve their ability to shut down opponents' special teams plays.

The Release of Reid Ferguson: The release of Reid Ferguson, the Bills' long-snapper since 2017, comes as a surprise to many fans. While Ferguson has generally been reliable, the Bills' front office clearly identified a need for an upgrade in this critical special teams role. The team has not yet announced who will take over long-snapping duties, leading to speculation surrounding potential free agents or draft picks. This move highlights the Bills' relentless pursuit of perfection, constantly seeking ways to improve every aspect of their team.

What this means for the Bills in 2024:

• Improved Consistency: The additions of Prater and Johnson, combined with any improvements at the long snapper position, signal a concerted effort to significantly improve the consistency of the Bills' special teams. This improved consistency could be the difference between victory and defeat in close games.
• Increased Confidence: A strong special teams unit instills confidence in the rest of the team, impacting performance across the board. Knowing they can rely on reliable kicking and strong coverage units could significantly boost the Bills' morale and overall performance.
• Playoff Potential: In the highly competitive AFC East, special teams can be a deciding factor in the race for the playoffs. The Bills' investment in improving this area underscores their ambition to contend for a Super Bowl title.

The Buffalo Bills' offseason moves demonstrate their commitment to building a championship-caliber team, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for Super Bowl glory. The changes to their special teams are a crucial piece of this puzzle, suggesting that Buffalo is serious about securing the small details that often define the difference between winning and losing. We can expect to see the fruits of these changes on the field in the 2024 season.