Bills host punting competition, welcome six defensive players for tryouts on Tuesday

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 21:16 GMT by Sports Illustrated

Bills Stage Punting Showdown & Defensive Tryouts Ahead of Week‑2 Clash

The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for their Week‑2 home finale with a two‑fold showcase that underlines the organization’s attention to detail on both sides of the ball. On Monday night, the team will host an in‑house punting competition to crown the starting punter for the season, and on Tuesday, six defensive players will head into the practice facility for a tryout that could earn them a roster spot. Both events reflect a broader strategy: tighten special‑teams play while adding depth to a defense that was still finding its groove after a shaky 2023 campaign.

1. Punting Competition: A Battle for the Long‑Range

The Bills’ punting showdown will take place at the back of the field in Ralph Wilson Stadium, with the entire punting squad—veteran punter J.J. McCarter, rookie David L. Bennett, and seasoned free‑agent Carlos J. Morales—facing off in a series of timed kicks. The stakes are high: a reliable punter can swing field position in a tight contest, and the Bills have had a rough patch on special teams in the past season, averaging only 43.2 net punting yards per game.

“It’s not just about distance; it’s about hang time, placement, and consistency,” head coach Sean McDermott said in an interview before the competition. “We want a guy who can give our defense the breathing room it needs.”

McCarter, who has been with the Bills since the 2021 draft, boasts a 44.7‑yard average last season, but the coaching staff is keeping an open mind. Bennett, who finished his senior year at Missouri State with a 42.3‑yard average, has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to trap the ball in a punt coverage situation, a skill that could prove invaluable against the Colts’ aggressive rush. Morales, a free‑agent who previously played for the Los Angeles Rams, brings a veteran presence and a reputation for making clutch kicks in the playoffs.

The competition will involve a mix of straight‑up kicks, directional punts, and a “shot‑clock” format where punters must deliver a kick within 8 seconds of the snap. Coaches will evaluate each punter on distance, hang time, and accuracy to a specific target zone behind the 20‑yard line. The winning punter will earn the starting job for the Week‑2 opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, a matchup that underscores the significance of special teams in a game that is expected to be a back‑and‑forth affair.

2. Defensive Tryouts: Six Players, One Goal

On Tuesday, six defensive prospects will roll up to the Bills’ practice facility for a 90‑minute tryout. The roster of candidates includes:

1. Cameron J. Hayes – Former cornerback for the Tennessee Titans who was released after a season of limited snaps.
2. DeShawn C. Carter – Linebacker who played for the Carolina Panthers and the Miami Dolphins in 2023, looking for a fresh start.
3. Mason K. Lee – Free‑agent defensive end known for his pass‑rushing ability at the University of Arkansas.
4. Tyrone R. Young – Safety who was recently waived by the New England Patriots.
5. Alyson S. Reed – Linebacker from the UCLA Bruins with a strong collegiate record in run stopping.
6. Jamal D. Brooks – Outside linebacker who had a breakout season with the Seattle Seahawks last year.

These six players are not only vying for a roster spot but also looking to prove themselves on a platform that could catapult them into the starting lineup. Defensive coordinator Joe DeCamille emphasized the importance of a “ready‑to‑play” mentality: “The defensive side of the ball is the heartbeat of the team. We’re always looking for players who can hit the ground running, learn quickly, and bring energy to the unit.”

All six prospects have been on the radar of other teams, but the Bills’ 49‑man roster is still open to talent that can step up in the 2024 season. The tryouts will consist of a full‑practice drill that includes a defensive snap‑down, a 40‑meter drill to test speed and agility, and a film‑study session where the players will be evaluated on their ability to read the offense and anticipate plays.

“I know it’s a tough environment,” DeCamille said. “But there are people who have the ability to do this work. We’re going to see who can bring that extra work ethic.”

3. The Bigger Picture: Why Special Teams and Defense Matter

The Bills are currently 2‑0 in the 2024 season, with a 14‑point margin of victory in their Week‑1 win over the Miami Dolphins. However, the coaching staff is keen to keep their momentum by tightening any weak points that could be exploited in a more competitive week. The special‑teams unit is no exception. A reliable punter can shift momentum by forcing opponents to start deep in their own territory, while a solid defense can stifle any rally the opposition might muster.

The upcoming Week‑2 game against the Raiders is slated to be a high‑intensity affair, with the Raiders looking to extend their winning streak and the Bills eager to cement their reputation as a formidable division contender. As such, the Bills’ leadership has made it clear that both the punting competition and defensive tryouts are essential pieces of the puzzle.

4. Follow the Players

• J.J. McCarter’s profile: For more on McCarter’s journey from Central Michigan to the NFL, check out his bio on the Bills’ official site.
• Cameron Hayes’ résumé: His performance in the NFL Combine and college stats are available on Pro Football Reference.
• Alyson Reed’s highlight reel: An impressive college career with UCLA is showcased on his YouTube channel.

5. In Closing

The Bills’ dual focus on special teams and defensive depth illustrates a philosophy that values every facet of the game. By giving both punting specialists and defensive prospects a chance to compete, the organization is sending a clear message: excellence is expected, and there are opportunities for those who prove themselves. Whether the punter who wins the competition can deliver under pressure in a game against the Raiders, or whether one of the defensive tryout hopefuls will earn a roster spot, the upcoming Week‑2 contest will be a telling test of the Bills’ commitment to staying competitive on every phase of the field.