SOURCE NFL: Bills Reach Agreement With Former 49ers Star Punter With 175 Punts and 8000+ Yards

Orchard Park, NY – September 30, 2025 – In a swift move to stabilize their special teams, the Buffalo Bills have signed veteran punter Mitch Wishnowsky to a one-year deal just days after starter Cameron Johnston went down with a significant ankle and foot injury. The signing, announced Tuesday, marks the Bills’ third punter change in only five weeks of the 2025 season — despite the team’s impressive 4-0 start.

Wishnowsky, 33, the Australian native and former San Francisco 49er, will wear No. 19 and is expected to debut this Sunday at home against the New England Patriots. He won the job after a strong workout Monday, replacing Johnston, who has been placed on Injured Reserve and must miss at least four games under NFL rules.

Johnston’s Injury and the Search for Stability

Johnston, 32, suffered the injury late in the Bills’ Week 4 win over the Saints when his plant leg was rolled into by linebacker Nephi Sewell during a punt. Medical staff confirmed ankle/foot damage, forcing him out of action.

Johnston had joined Buffalo in Week 2 after rookie Brad Robbins struggled, but his 37.9-yard net average ranked near the bottom of the league. Combined with the absence of any 50-yard punts, the Bills’ punting unit sat 31st in net yardage before his injury.

“We feel for Cameron, but he’ll come back stronger,” head coach Sean McDermott said. “Mitch brings the experience and consistency we need right now to keep our momentum going.”

Who Is Mitch Wishnowsky?

Wishnowsky’s path to the NFL is unique. Born in Perth, Australia, he transitioned from Aussie Rules Football to American football, starring at the University of Utah and winning the 2016 Ray Guy Award. Drafted in the fourth round by San Francisco in 2019, he played six seasons with the 49ers, appeared in two Super Bowls, and was twice named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month.

Career highlights:

• Career average: 45.6 yards per punt (40.7 net).

Released by San Francisco in May, he had a brief tryout with Washington before landing in Buffalo. Known for his hang time, accuracy, and even a viral preseason tackle in 2019, he remains a fan favorite.

Impact on the Bills’ Season

The Bills’ punting carousel has been a rare weak spot in an otherwise dominant start. Wishnowsky’s ability to flip field position could be crucial, especially against the Patriots, who lead the NFL in punt return average with Marcus Jones.

General manager Brandon Beane praised the signing: “Mitch is a proven veteran who has played on the biggest stage. We believe he’ll step in seamlessly.”

If Wishnowsky delivers, the Bills could extend his stay. If not, Johnston may reclaim the job later this season. Either way, Buffalo’s pursuit of a Super Bowl berth continues — now with a new Aussie leg in the mix.