“Even if I’m here for just a short time, I’m truly excited. But who knows? I’m ready to step up and help this team win.” — Matt Prater, Buffalo Bills kicker
When the Buffalo Bills signed Matt Prater as a temporary replacement for the injured Tyler Bass, nobody expected the 41-year-old veteran to make such an impact. Originally brought in to fill in for Bass, who had been battling hip and groin injuries, Prater’s performance has been so solid that he may very well continue as the starting kicker for the Bills throughout the 2025 season.
After making a crucial field goal in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, Prater’s place on the team was solidified. Five weeks later, he has become a mainstay, despite the original plan to just fill in for the time being. Prater has been near perfect for the Bills, converting
10 out of 11 field goals and making all 15 extra points. The only blemish on his record was a missed kick in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins, but even that hasn’t overshadowed his consistency.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott isn’t yet committing to bringing Bass back from the Injured Reserve list. With no clear timeline for his return and Bass’s 4-year, $20.4 million contract
still looming, McDermott’s comments remain vague, fueling speculation that Prater may have earned the role long-term. When asked about Bass’s potential return, McDermott said, “Let’s wait and see. The medical staff has given me their feedback, and right now, not much has changed, but both are progressing in the right direction.”
Prater’s performance has made the decision even more complicated for the Bills’ front office, especially since he has been nearly flawless. His career highlight of 82 successful field goals from 50+ yards
in the NFL could help his case for maintaining the starting job.
Bass, the $20 million kicker, could become the Wally Pipp of the 2025 NFL season, as Prater
continues to outshine him in key moments. Even if Bass gets healthy, it may be hard for the Bills to overlook the veteran’s consistency.
Conclusion:
Matt Prater’s unexpected success has put the
Buffalo Bills in a tough position, with a solid veteran kicker performing at a high level while Tyler Bass remains sidelined. Whether Prater will continue to hold down the job long-term remains to be seen, but for now, he has turned an injury-plagued situation into a career-rejuvenating opportunity.
