Ryan finds new NFL kicking gig with Bills

One day after requesting his release from the Seattle Seahawks, Canadian punter Jon Ryan agreed to terms Tuesday morning with the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills confirmed reports of Ryan’s signing Tuesday. The 36-year-old from Regina is expected to practise Wednesday with his new Buffalo teammates.

Ryan, who has missed just one NFL game since leaving the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers after two seasons in 2006, averaged 44.7 yards per punt in his 10 seasons with the Seahawks. Last year, he averaged exactly 45 yards per kick.

Ryan spent his first two NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers before being released and latching on with the Seahawks in 2008.

The redhead became a lame duck when Seattle selected Michael Dickson, a strong-legged U.S. college punter originally from Australia, in the fifth round of the NFL draft in April.

Ryan had asked for his release from the Seahawks a day earlier. Ryan posted a lengthy goodbye to the Seahawks and their fans on social media Monday morning.

“I never wanted this day to come, but knew it would someday,” wrote Ryan, who was among the most popular Seahawks players for his skill as a punter and his personality off the field.

Buffalo lost its backup punter in training camp, Cory Carter, to an ACL injury in Friday’s pre-season game. Colton Schmidt has been Buffalo’s punter since 2014.

By signing Ryan, the Bills hope either to keep pushing Schmidt to improve, or replace him should Ryan prove better.

Last season Schmidt ranked 21st in the NFL with a 44.7-yard average. His net average (after returns) was 40.5 yards, which ranked 20th in the league.

Ryan’s 2017 net average was 38.8, 30th in the league.