Full Breakdown
Buffalo Bills Sign Cameron Johnston as New Punter
9/10/2025, 2:00:51 AM
Transition in Buffalo's Special Teams
The Buffalo Bills have made a significant change to their special teams by signing veteran punter Cameron Johnston, previously with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and waiving Brad Robbins. This decision comes after Robbins' underwhelming performance in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, where he averaged just 39.5 yards on four punts. Johnston, who has a career net average of 42.2 yards per punt, is expected to bolster the Bills' punting game as they pursue a Super Bowl title.
Background on Cameron Johnston
Cameron Johnston, 33, began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. He later played for the Houston Texans and signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the Steelers in March 2024. However, Johnston's time in Pittsburgh was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury sustained in Week 1 of the 2024 season. After recovering, he competed for the punter position against Corliss Waitman during training camp but ultimately lost the job, leading to his release in August 2025.
Performance Comparison: Johnston vs. Robbins
In the Bills' Week 1 victory over the Ravens, Robbins punted four times for a total of 158 yards, with a long of 48 yards, but struggled to provide consistent field position. In contrast, Johnston has demonstrated stronger punting capabilities throughout his career, including leading the NFL in total punting yards in 2021 with the Texans. His experience and performance metrics suggest he could significantly improve the Bills' special teams unit.
Official Statements & Responses
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the signing, highlighting Johnston's experience across 96 NFL games and his potential impact on the Bills' roster. The decision to waive Robbins reflects the high expectations within the Bills organization, where performance is closely scrutinized, especially following a successful opening game.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Bills' decision to replace Robbins with Johnston has been met with optimism, some analysts argue that the quick change indicates a lack of patience with young players. Critics suggest that Robbins, who is only 26 years old and has limited experience, may not have been given enough time to develop in the role.
What's Next for the Bills
The Bills will face the New York Jets in their next game, where Johnston is expected to take over punting duties. The team is also adjusting its kicking unit, having signed veteran kicker Matt Prater to the active roster, further indicating a commitment to enhancing their special teams performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Signing Johnston so quickly after just one bad game from Robbins shows that there is no room for failure on a team like Buffalo, where the expectations couldn't be higher.” — Analysis from sports commentators
In summary, the Buffalo Bills' decision to sign Cameron Johnston reflects their commitment to improving special teams performance as they aim for a successful season. The transition from Robbins to Johnston may provide the necessary stability and experience needed for a team with championship aspirations.
