Zane Gonzalez
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 26: Zane Gonzalez #47 of the Washington Commanders celebrates a field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
As Week 1 approaches for NFL teams, now is not the time to leave anything to chance. In the aftermath of 53-man roster cuts, a former Washington Commanders player is getting a last-minute look from the Buffalo Bills.
Jordan Schultz reported Thursday that the Bills worked out Zane Gonzalez and two other kickers ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The Bills signed Ole Miss product Caden Davis on August 8 to fill a void left by Tyler Bass as he deals with a pelvic injury. But it appears Buffalo could be keen on signing a proven veteran.
Along with Gonzalaz, the team worked out Eddy Piñeiro and Greg Joseph.
For the Commanders, they head into Week 1 with former Indianapolis Colts veteran Matt Gay.
Commanders Moved On From Gonzalaz This Offseason
Gonzalez, who spent part of last season with the Commanders, is back in the mix after being released in April. He went 5-of-7 on field goals and 19-for-19 on extra points for Washington in 2024.
The 30-year-old K has a history of bouncing between teams, but his experience makes him an intriguing fit for a contender. The Bills want someone who can be consistent in field goal situations and provide stability from the extra-point spot.
This tryout comes at a pivotal time. Buffalo lost some consistency at kicker in recent seasons, and Gonzalez brings the kind of game-ready experience that could make him a short-term solution — or a longer-term stopgap if he performs well in practice.
Gonzalez was cut after the 2025 NFL Draft when Washington decided to move in a different direction, leaving him looking for a new opportunity. The Bills give him another chance to prove he can still handle game pressure and contribute immediately.
Why Bills Could Sign Him
For context, Gonzalez has been a solid, if sometimes under-the-radar, option throughout his career. He made 77.6 percent of his career field goals and 98 percent of extra points. His leg strength has been a key asset, with multiple kicks from 50-plus yards in high-pressure situations.
In a division as competitive as the AFC East, having a kicker who can consistently convert from long range can make the difference in tight games.
Piñeiro and Joseph add layers of depth to the Bills’ search. Piñeiro has bounced around multiple teams but has shown he can make the big kicks when called upon. Joseph provides reliability and a steady approach, giving Buffalo multiple paths to settle the position. The competition ensures the team won’t have to gamble on a kicker untested in practice or game scenarios.
For Gonzalez, this tryout is about redemption. After leaving Washington, he has a chance to reestablish himself in a league that demands perfection from kickers. The Bills are giving him a clean slate to prove he can be dependable from day one. If he seizes the opportunity, Gonzalez could quickly become more than a placeholder — he could be the anchor of Buffalo’s special teams unit heading into 2025.
The Bills are taking a deliberate approach. For him, it’s about proving he belongs. It’s about finding a consistent leg to complement a team aiming to compete in every tight game this season. Both sides have everything to gain.