The Buffalo Bills could look to bring in more competition at punter.
Buffalo re-signed punter Mitch Wishnowsky on a one-year deal, which many thought would mean he would be the team’s punter again. The Bills had a bit of a punter carousel last season, before landing on Wishnowsky.
Although Wishnowsky punted well, Bills insider Ryan Talbot reported that Buffalo met with Stonehouse over Zoom and met with three key figures.
“Per a league source, Syracuse P Jack Stonehouse met with Bills GM Brandon Beane, assistant GM Brian Gaine & HC Joe Brady following yesterday’s local pro day,” Talbot wrote on X. “Jack also had a zoom meeting with special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers last week. Buffalo could have a competition at P this summer with Mitch Wishnowsky on a one-year deal.”
Stonehouse spent the last three seasons at Syracuse after one year at Missouri. He’s considered to be the top punter available in the 2026 NFL Draft. And if Buffalo uses a pick on him, it likely would signal the team would move on from Wishnowsky.
At Syracuse last season, Stonehouse averaged 47.1 yards per punt. Wishnowsky, meanwhile, averaged 45.3 yards per punt with the Bills and has been in the NFL since 2019.
Stonehouse Likely to be Late Day 3 Pick
The NFL Draft tends not to favor specialists, as kickers and punters tend to go later or undrafted.
Yet, ahead of the NFL Draft, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein believes Stonehouse will be a late Day 3 pick and is considered the top punter.
“Four-year punter who improved at his craft in each season,” Zierlein wrote. “Stonehouse has a solid leg but lacks booming power. He strikes the ball with adequate consistency and direction but needs to push his hang-time higher to avoid punt returns. Stonehouse’s ability to hang around could depend on his ability to bolster his “inside the 10” numbers instead of being overly aggressive in trying to push punts as close to the goal line as possible.”
Zielein believes Stonehouse will need to get quicker to get the ball out faster as a pro, as that could be a concern. But, his hang time is great, and he can punt directionally, which should allow him to have a long career in the NFL.
Bills Expect to Find Starters Late in Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft isn’t considered to be top-heavy. But Bills general manager Brandon Beane believes there are good players later on in the draft.
Beane believes the team will be able to find starters on Day 2 and Day 3 to further bolster their roster.
“I definitely think there will be players day two and day three that can help us in various roles, whether it’s competing for a start (or) a really good backup,” Beane said. “… We’ll find good players with that first round pick as well. You just don’t know if you’re technically going to be selecting out of your first round. It’s early to know that.”
Buffalo has seven total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the 26th overall pick in the first round.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
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