50 best players in the AFC East
By Brian Miller
Dan Carpenter
Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills kicker Dan Carpenter (2) attempts a field goal as Buffalo Bills punter Colton Schmidt (6) holds in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Bills 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Released by the Miami Dolphins two seasons ago in favor of rookie 5th round pick Caleb Sturgis, Carpenter rebounded from an off-season to become a steady place-kicker for the Buffalo Bills. Carpenter is reliable in both aspects of the kicking duties. He consistently gets the ball out of the end-zone on kick-offs. He was 89.5 % accurate in his field goal attempts last season and in 2013 made just over 91% of his attempts. Since leaving the Dolphins, Carpenter has made 14 field goals over 50 yards.
Un-drafted in 2008, Carpenter enters his seventh NFL season. Before landing with the Bills, Carpenter spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets during the 2013 training camp season but couldn’t stick. The Bills added him on September 3rd after their starter went down with a groin injury. Carpenter has been the teams starter since.