ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Punter Brian Moorman never envisioned he'd get a second chance to play for the Buffalo Bills before he re-signed with the team in October.
Now he's getting a shot at a 14th season in Buffalo after signing a one-year contract extension on Friday.
"I've been kind of at a loss for words since I got back," Moorman said by phone. "It means the world to me. I'd obviously love to finish my career as a Buffalo Bill. And to have that opportunity now is great."
Moorman was signed to the NFL veteran minimum of $955,000, plus a roster bonus.
The signing comes two weeks after the Bills (6-10) closed their season, and after general manager Doug Whaley indicated he was preparing to open talks to re-sign Moorman.
The contract represents a vote of confidence for the two-time Pro Bowl selection. Moorman was cut by the Bills and replaced by Shawn Powell in September 2012 after falling out of favor with former special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven.
Moorman, who was unsigned after finishing last season with Dallas, then got a shot to prove himself once more in Buffalo under first-year coordinator Danny Crossman after Powell was cut.
In 11 games, Moorman finished 30th in the NFL with 36.6 net yards per punt, which was still more than a yard better than Powell's average through five games. Moorman landed 16 punts inside opponents' 20, upping his career total to 281, which ranks fourth among active players.
With another year, Moorman is looking forward to the opportunity to spend a full offseason working with Crossman to help improve his numbers. The chance to build continuity and his desire to stay in Buffalo were key reasons Moorman jumped at the Bills' offer to return.
"I was pretty happy overall with how things went. And I'm glad that the organization was, too," Moorman said. "To be able to work together is going to be a huge plus. We can talk about little nuances, what he wants and what is good for each of us. It could really benefit of us both."
Moorman broke in with the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He holds team records with 259 punts inside the 20 and 923 total punts, and ranks second in averaging 43.7 gross yards per punt.
He's a respected veteran in the locker room, and remains a popular figure in Buffalo for his involvement in local charities.
"I don't think it's any secret how much we appreciate this community, and how grateful we were that the community welcomed us back the way they did," Moorman said, including his wife, Amber. "To have the opportunity to continue into the future, especially with the positive direction the organization's going, I'm glad to have a chance to be a part of it."
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