Buffalo Bills cut their veteran punter Brian Moorman as they re-sign rookie Shawn Powell – NFL News
Buffalo Bills released their veteran punter Brian Moorman on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, in a surprise move which marked an end to his 12-year working relation with the franchise. Bills also re-signed Shawn Powell to replace Moorman in the punting squad.
Bills general manager Buddy Nix announced the news and explained that the decision was made to upgrade the punting squad. According to the Associated Press, Nix said:
"It is always a tough decision, especially a guy like Brian who has been here for 12 years. He had a great career with the Bills and has been kind of a staple for this organization. But it was a decision we felt like we needed to make."
The news came as a shock for many Bills fans who have seen Moorman taking punts throughout the last decade.
Powell and Nix competed for the roster throughout the offseason. Before the start of the season, Bills decided to go with the veteran.
Moorman has almost all of the franchise record for a punter under his name. He got the record-breaking career average of 43.9 yards per punt. Also, he got an 84-yard punt during the 2002, longest in Bills’ history.
The two-time Pro Bowler was also named captain of the team on seven occasions. Ever since he was signed in the 2001 offseason, Moorman never missed a single game. That adds up a massive 179 consecutive games which is the highest for any Bills’ player.
However, Moorman, 36, struggled during the three games he played this season. With the average of 32.7 yards per punt, he looked far away from his best.
Powell had a good reputation in his college days and was regarded as one of the best punters in the country. Talking about Powell, Nix said:
“The upside is really good on this guy. He’s a big man, which I think that helps punters, good height. He’s Florida State’s all-time leading punter. We really liked him and in fact even considered drafting him late last year."
It is likely that Moorman will be tried by a few teams from the league as he is fit enough to play this season.
Tags: