The New York Jets are coming off their rookie minicamp hosted over the weekend, getting some early impressions on the next class of rookies sliding and hoping to contribute this season.
Offensive tackle Armand Membou and tight end Mason Taylor highlight the incoming class. They will be two of the young fixtures fused into Aaron Glenn's team this season.
New York's first-time head coach is getting a feel for his roster ahead of the start of OTA's later this month and before training camp later this summer. However, a move in the middle of a down period for the Jets came as a shock this week.
The Jets released veteran punter Thomas Morstead on Tuesday, favoring undrafted free agent Kair Kroeger, according to the New York Post. This does come as a bit of a shock as Morstead became a fan favorite in his last two seasons with the team.
“Had a great experience,” Morstead said in a video posted to Instagram following his learning of the decision. “Disappointed to be moving on and disappointed how it went down, but it’s just the way it goes in this business.
“Just wanted to say thank you to all the fans, all the coaches that I’ve worked with over the last few years,” Morstead added. “It’s been awesome. I really appreciate everybody that’s been a part of the journey.”
Morstead has spent 16 seasons in the NFL, playing for the Jets, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins in that time. His first 12 campaigns were spent with the Saints.
Glenn and the Jets have restructured the team staff which includes appointing Chris Banjo as special teams coordinator. Kroeger and Austin McNamara will now compete for the Jets' starting punter position.