Tyler Bass has served as the Bills’ kicker for the past four years. His missed field goal attempt late in the divisional round of the playoffs contributed to Buffalo’s elimination, and the subsequent months have not produced a rebound in terms of accuracy. 
Bass has struggled with consistency during training camp and the preseason. A missed 51-yard field goal during Buffalo’s preseason finale drew public criticism from head coach Sean McDermott and led to increased questions about another kicker being added in advance of the season. The initial wave or roster cuts has come and gone, though, and no such move has been made.
“Not at this point,” general manager Brandon Beane said, via The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia, when asked if the team is considering adding competition for Bass (subscription required). “I get the question, I do. I understand. If he had a short history here, [we] probably would have. I think we’ve just got to relax and give him a chance and remain confident in him.”
Bass connected on 28 of 34 field goal attempts during his rookie season. That accuracy rate jumped to over 87% during the next two seasons, cementing his status as a player the Bills were interested in keeping on a second contract. The 27-year-old inked a four-year, $20.4MM extension last spring. As a result, he is under contract through 2027.
The former sixth-rounder regressed to an extent in terms of accuracy last year, going 24-for-29 (82.8%) on field goals. During the postseason, Bass’ struggles were highlighted; he connected on only two of five field goals, and all three of his misses came from within 50 yards. A less-than-convincing showing during the summer will lead to expectations for a return to his previous form in 2024, the final year with guaranteed salary on his pact.
In addition to the financial commitment Buffalo has already made in Bass, the fact he has only missed eight extra points (regular and postseason combined) in his career is a factor working in his favor. Still, speculation about other kicking options being brought in will no doubt intensify if the start of the year does not go smoothly. Brandon McManus, Greg Joseph and Randy Bullock are among the veterans on the market at the moment.
Wide Right! The two most dreaded words a Bills fan can hear.
“The former sixth-rounder regressed to an extent in terms of accuracy last year, going 24-for-29 (82.8%) on field goals”.
Imagine if players at other positions had to be successful 85% of the time or get cut. Who would be left on the roster?
Hope the guy I’m playing in fantasy this week that has Bass doesn’t read this 🙂
They should bring in Anders Carlson. Dude’s brother’s career started off rocky as well and he’s become quite good.
Contract is guaranteed for this season so might as well see how things go for a couple weeks. Going this route would mean any possible replacement is NOT on any guaranteed veteran contract as well.