South Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers have signed former Buffalo Bills punter Sam Martin, marking a new chapter for the team's special teams unit. This move follows Johnny Hekker's reported agreement with the Tennessee Titans, leaving Martin as the only punter on the Panthers' roster.

Sam Martin was initially drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2013 and played there for seven seasons. He then spent two years with the Denver Broncos before joining the Bills from 2022 to 2024. Now at 35, Martin brings significant experience to Carolina, having played in various weather conditions across different stadiums. His past teams include those located in cold and windy areas like Buffalo and Detroit, as well as high-altitude Denver.

Martin's return to the South is a homecoming of sorts. He previously punted for Appalachian State and was recognized as an Associated Press All-American First Team member during his senior year. Originally from Fayetteville, Georgia, he also excelled in soccer during high school.

During his time with the Bills, Martin was not frequently called upon due to a strong offense but made an impact when needed. Last season, he punted 54 times, with nearly half landing inside the opponent's 20-yard line. According to Next Gen Stats, he achieved 12 punts over 50 yards with a low fail rate of 8 percent.

Beyond football, Martin is known for his love of dogs, particularly his pet Leo who accompanies him on his NFL journey.