Michael Badgley Signs with Buffalo Bills Practice Squad, Bolstering Playoff Push

Buffalo adds veteran kicker Michael Badgley to bolster special-teams depth Orchard Park, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills signed veteran place-kicker Michael Badgley to their practice squad late Tuesday, December 16, giving head coach Sean McDermott a proven leg as the team navigates the final stretch of the 2025 NFL regular season. Badgley, 30, arrives in Western New York after appearing in seven games for the Indianapolis Colts earlier this year, where he connected on 10-of-11 field-goal attempts (90.9 percent) and 18-of-21 extra points. Nicknamed “The Money Badger,” the former Miami Hurricane has converted 85.4 percent of his career field goals since entering the league in 2018, suiting up for the Chargers, Bears, Lions, Titans and Colts. Why Buffalo made the move • Starting kicker Matt Prater remains day-to-day with a groin injury suffered in Week 15, leaving the Bills without a healthy specialist as they prepare to face the New England Patriots on Sunday. • Special-teams coordinator Matthew Smiley has dealt with inconsistency in kickoffs and long-range tries; Badgley’s career 11-of-17 mark from 50+ yards offers a reliable contingency plan. • Buffalo currently sits at 8-6, clinging to the AFC’s final wild-card spot. One missed kick could define the playoff race, so roster insurance is paramount. What Badgley brings Accuracy: Badgley owns the Chargers’ single-season record for field-goal percentage (93.8 percent in 2019). Clutch résumé: He drilled a franchise-record 59-yarder for Los Angeles and is 12-for-14 in the fourth quarter or overtime. Cold-weather experience: Stints in Chicago, Detroit and Indianapolis prepare him for swirling December winds at Highmark Stadium. Roster mechanics and next steps The Bills waived rookie cornerback M.J. Devonshire to create a practice-squad spot. If Prater cannot kick by Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline, Buffalo is expected to elevate Badgley to the 53-man roster, where he would handle field goals, PATs and kickoffs against New England. Fantasy football impact Managers in deeper leagues should monitor Buffalo’s injury reports; a potential Badgley start in a high-scoring offense could provide immediate streaming value during fantasy semifinals. Bottom line By signing Michael Badgley, the Buffalo Bills safeguard their special-teams operation and add postseason-tested accuracy as the franchise pushes toward a sixth straight playoff berth.