He led Buffalo in scoring for the last 10 seasons. He's the most accurate kicker in team history. Unfortunately even the accomplished careers must come to an end, and on Monday Rian Lindell's time with the Bills came to a close as Buffalo released their long-time kicker.
Lindell, 36, connected on better than 83 percent of his career field goal attempts with Buffalo (83.3%), and had his share of game-winning attempts in his 10 years with the club. His most recent was the one that gave Buffalo the overtime win in Arizona last season in Week 6 (19-16).
Perhaps his most memorable was his 28-yard game winner on Sept. 25, 2011 to end the Bills' 15-game losing streak to the New England Patriots in a 34-31 victory.
Signed in 2003 as a free agent, Lindell is the most accurate kicker in team annals from inside 20 yards (100% T-1st). He also ranks first from between 20-29 yards (95.5%), between 30-39 yards (92.4%), third from between 40-49 yards (68.4%) and first all-time from 50 yards plus (52.5%).
Had Lindell made the team for the 2013 season he would've likely set the team's all-time scoring record. With 980 career points with the Bills, he needed just 32 to surpass the team's all-time leading scorer Steve Christie (1,011).
The Bills have drafted kickers each of the past two seasons. John Potter was selected in the seventh round of the 2012 draft, but was more of a kickoff specialist. This past spring Buffalo took Dustin Hopkins in the sixth round.
Hopkins has battled with his consistency in training camp practices, but unquestionably has the stronger leg. In his first two preseason games Hopkins has not missed on four attempts, though his long on those four kicks is just 39 yards.
The Florida State product has also put three of his eight kickoffs through the end zone for touchbacks.
Lindell, who was good on 305 of his 306 extra point attempts with Buffalo, also stands 10th all-time in games played in team history with 152. No other special teamer appeared in more games for the Bills than Lindell.
