CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The Carolina Panthers agreed to a contract with a former Appalachian State player this week.
After choosing not to resign punter Johnny Hekker, the Panthers needed someone new to handle the punting duties. The longest-tenured Mountaineer currently in the NFL, Sam Martin, will fill that role.
Martin’s deal with the Panthers is for one year and is worth up to $3 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The 35-year-old was released by the Buffalo Bills on March 6, but quickly found a home in Carolina. Prior to his three years with the Bills, Martin spent seven seasons with the Lions and two with the Broncos.
He will likely not be the only new addition to the Panthers’ special teams in 2025. While Carolina brought back long-snapper J.J. Jansen for a 17th season, kicker Eddy Piñeiro is unlikely to return -- especially after the Panthers signed kicker Matthew Wright to a future contract in February.
The Panthers will sign former Bills and App State punter Sam Martin.
The Panthers will sign former Bills and App State punter Sam Martin.(Bryan Bennett | AP)
Martin’s punting numbers were mostly middle of the pack in 2024, with a longest punt of 65 yards -- the same as Hekker.
As he prepares to enter his 13th NFL season, Martin has the third-longest career of any App State player ever. Only Mark Royals and Larry Hand have played longer. Once Martin officially begins his 13th year, he will tie Hand.
Including Martin, nine former Mountaineers played in at least one regular-season NFL game in 2024.
Martin, who is a Georgia native, was at App State for five seasons from 2008-2012.
Players cannot officially sign with NFL teams until Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m.
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