The New York Jets have made it clear they will prioritize their roster with young talent rather than aging veterans nearing the end of their respective careers. On Tuesday, the Jets released Thomas Morstead, who turns 40 next March. The front office replaced Morstead on the active roster with Kai Kroeger, who will compete for the starting punter job against Austin McNamara.
Also Read: New York Jets: Land All-SEC Special Teamer for 2025
The New York Jets kicker faced an uncertain future
USATSI 24020291 scaled e1728231443970
Aug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets place kicker Greg Zuerlein (9) during pregame warm ups against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Greg Zuerlein had a rough 2024 campaign, missing at least three crucial field goals and one extra point early in the year, and missing the last half of the season with an injury. Zuerlein made 9 out of 15 field goal attempts and 13 out of 14 extra points in eight games. To the surprise of the coaching staff, he popped up in Week 9’s injury report with a knee injury and was later placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Also Read: New York Jets: Suddenly Placed Struggling Special Teamer on Injured Reserve Ahead of Week 9
Given his age, turning 38 next December, his recent injury, the Jets’ prioritizing young talent over aging veterans, and his contract, Greg Zuerlein faced an uncertain future in New York. He is scheduled to earn a $4.1 million base salary along with a $4.7 million cap hit in 2025.
All-Pro specialist let go after three seasons
New York Jets
Oct 14, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein (9) misses a field goal during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, the New York Jets have released Greg Zuerlein after three seasons with the team. As a result, the Jets will free up $2.4 million in cap space and incur $2.3 million in dead cap in 2025. The team is still working on identifying Zuerlein’s replacement.
The Jets released Greg Zuerlein.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) May 16, 2025
At least 2 players will compete for the kicking job
New York Jets
Dec 1, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets place kicker Anders Carlson (18) celebrates recovery of a fumbled ball on a kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
Anders Carlson will compete for the kicking job. The Green Bay Packers released Carlson during roster cuts heading into his second season, and the San Francisco 49ers signed him to their practice squad in mid-October. He played two games for the 49ers and made all five field goals and three out of four extra points, but they released him in early November.
The New York Jets signed Anders Carlson shortly after his release. Carlson played five games for the Jets and made 8 out of 10 field goal attempts and 9 out of 11 extra points. Unfortunately, the Jets released him in Week 18, but signed him to a reserve/futures deal.
Caden Davis will also compete for the job. Davis spent the first three seasons of his college career with the Texas A&M Aggies and the last two with the Ole Miss Rebels. He finished the 2024 season making 24 out of 29 field goal attempts and 57 out of 59 extra points, and his career with 43 field goals on 56 attempts and 109 out of 111 extra points.
For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content:
Follow me on X @JacksonLoschko, and follow us@GridironHeroics for more great content. If you have any questions, you can message me onLinkedIn. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest inNFL and College Football,click here.
Thank you for reading my articles. It is greatly appreciated.