The Buffalo Bills are making a late-season move at kicker, signing veteran Michael Badgley with plans to elevate him for their upcoming game against the Browns. The move comes as Matt Prater deals with an injury, leaving Buffalo in need of a steady leg for a pivotal stretch of the season.
Badgley, 30, has been one of the more well-traveled kickers in recent NFL memory, but he’s also proven to be reliable when called upon. After going undrafted out of the University of Miami in 2018, Badgley initially signed with the Colts but didn’t stick on the roster. His real NFL break came later that year with the Chargers, where he served as the team’s primary kicker for three seasons.
During his time in Los Angeles, Badgley earned a reputation for being clutch under pressure, which helped him land a one-year, $1.1 million deal after the Chargers tendered him a qualifying offer. Since then, he's bounced around the league - with stops in Tennessee, Indianapolis (again), Chicago, Detroit, Washington, and a couple of return stints in between.
Most recently, Badgley spent time with the Colts in 2025, stepping in as an injury replacement. And he made the most of the opportunity. In seven games, he hit 10 of his 11 field goal attempts and went 18-of-21 on extra points - solid production that shows he can still be counted on when the lights are on.
This isn’t just a depth move for Buffalo. With Prater sidelined, the Bills need someone who can handle the pressure of December football, especially as they fight for playoff positioning. Badgley’s experience and recent form suggest he’s capable of stepping in and delivering.
For a team like the Bills, who know how critical special teams can be in tight games - especially in the cold, wind-heavy conditions of late-season Buffalo - having a kicker with a proven track record is more than just insurance. It’s a necessity.
Badgley’s journey hasn’t been linear, but it’s made him a seasoned pro. And now, with another opportunity in front of him, he’ll look to make his mark once again - this time in Bills blue.