On Wednesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Buffalo Bills were curiously one of three teams that put in a waiver claims for kicker Chase McLaughlin.
The former Bill kicker from training camp this summer has hopped around a bit since the Bills cut him. He’s had a good run of form, good enough for the Colts to claim him ahead of the Bills in the order, which is the only reason why he’s not in Buffalo. The Patriots also put in a bid for him, but sit behind the Bills in the NFL’s waiver order.
Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that report on Thursday.
“It’s just like any position and us continually trying to add players to our team we feel like can help us,” McDermott told reporters.
McDermott added that the move was “no reflection” on the Bills’ current kicker, Stephen Hauschka.
Regardless, the move is an interesting one considering Hauschka’s struggles. Hauschka has missed two extra points this season and has a 71.4 conversion rate so far this season, a career-low.
McLaughlin has been 13-for-17 on kicks this year, but recently had a good spell with the 49ers. He was 7-for-8 kicking and his lone miss in three games was a game-winning attempt after he converted on a game-tying kick. McLaughlin also had a spell with the Chargers earlier this season.
The 23-year-old was released after Robbie Gould returned from injury to the 49ers.
In a corresponding move, the team waived tight end Matt Lengel, not kicker Adam Viniteri, who’s struggled all year. He’s undoubtedly one of the NFL’s best kickers ever, but he’s also dealing with a knee injury along with his struggles. It remains to be seen what the Colts do.
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