Sam Martin Signed Two-Year Deal With Panthers

The veteran punter secured a contract with the Carolina Panthers following his performance in the 2025 season.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Football

Sam Martin Signed Two-Year Deal With Panthers

In 2025, veteran punter Sam Martin signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. The deal, valued at up to $5 million, was finalized after Martin delivered a strong season for the team.

Why it matters

The signing was intended to retain Martin's services as a veteran punter, where he serves as a leader for the special teams unit and acts as a holder for the team kicker. His experience provides stability to the Carolina Panthers, who also secured an NFC South division title in 2025.

Sam Martin recorded an average of 47.2 yards per punt during the 2025 season. His new agreement spans two years and is valued at a maximum of $5 million.

The players

Sam Martin

He is an NFL punter who has played for the Lions, Broncos, Bills, and Panthers over a 14-year professional career.

Carolina Panthers

This professional football team competes in the NFC South division of the NFL and plays its home games in the Carolinas.

The details

Martin, who was originally selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2013 NFL draft, has played for the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos throughout his 14-year career. Beyond his kicking duties, he counsels the team kicker to help maintain special teams performance.

Sam Martin graduated from Appalachian State University in 2012.
Martin entered the NFL after being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2013.
The Carolina Panthers previously won the NFC South division in 2015.
Martin signed his two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers in 2025.
Martin visited Kidd Brewer Stadium on September 5, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The 2025 NFC South division title for the Carolina Panthers marked a return to the team's winning form last seen in 2015. Retaining veteran talent like Sam Martin positions the organization to maintain competitive stability within a shifting division landscape.

Martin's role as a reliable holder for the team kicker directly supports the consistency of the special teams unit. His continued presence on the roster provides a veteran anchor for a team that successfully captured the division title in 2025.

The takeaway

Martin's career highlights the value of veteran experience in the specialist positions of the NFL. His transition from an Appalachian State athlete to a long-term professional demonstrates the importance of consistent performance in special teams.