The New York Giants’ kicker competition between rookie Dominic Zvada and Ben Sauls took a clear turn during the first day of mandatory minicamp on Monday.
During the session, which was open to the media, Zvada, who is emerging as the clear favorite for the job, knocked through all eight of his field goal attempts while Sauls made just 4-of-8, the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard noted.
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Sauls’ poor showing on Monday wasn’t his first, so it’s not like we’re basing Zvada being the favorite on just one practice.
In the last open practice of OTAs last week, Sauls missed half of his 12 field goal attempts, which led to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan calling Zvada the “heavy favorite” over Sauls.
Meanwhile, the rookie nailed all 13 of his tries on the same day.
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Did Giants cut Jason Sanders too soon?
Aug 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Miami Dolphins place kicker Jason Sanders (7) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Sauls’ struggles come on the heels of the Giants cutting a proven veteran kicker in Jason Sanders, which was surprising considering who New York has at kicker currently.
Both of the Giants’ competitors for the job are unproven. Zvada is a rookie and Sauls has just eight career field goal attempts, and none from 50-plus yards.
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With Sauls’ issues of late, it sure would be nice for the Giants to have an experienced kicker like Sanders still in the mix.
MORE: Abdul Carter suffers injury at Giants mandatory minicamp
It’s not like the Giants can bring Sanders back right now, either, as the veteran has since signed with the New York Jets.
We wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants swap Sauls out for a veteran kicker in the near future to bring in new competition for Zvada.
Giants need stability at kicker
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (9) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
Thanks to injuries to Graham Gano the past three years, the Giants haven’t had much stability at kicker. In that span, New York has seen eight different kickers attempt a field goal.
The Giants still managed to finish 11th in field goal percentage in 2025, but they also finished dead last in extra point percentage.
In 2023 and 2024, New York finished 31st and 23rd in field goal percentage, respectively, and tied for 17th in extra point success rate both seasons.
Maybe Zvada ends up being what the Giants have been looking for if he wins the job, but there will be concerns until he proves himself in games.