New York Jets, Darren Mougey, NFL Draft
New York Jets: Announce the Starting Kicker for 2026 1
The New York Jets held a kicking competition between Jason Sanders and Cade York for most of training camp. After missing a 59-yard field goal during the second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, York was released last week. After going 2-for-3 on field goal attempts during the preseason, Sanders made the initial 53-man roster, but his job was not safe.
New Orleans Saints, Blake GrupeNew Orleans Saints, Blake Grupe
Nov 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints place kicker Blake Grupe (19) kicks a field goal against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The Jets claimed Blake Grupe off waivers from the Colts. The plan going into Week 1 was to have a competition between the two kickers, but ultimately, the front office changed course. According to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, New York has released Jason Sanders, leaving Grupe as the only kicker on the roster.
After claiming Blake Grupe, the Jets have released kicker Jason Sanders.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2026
Here’s a quick review of the newcomer’s 2025 campaign
New Orleans Saints, Blake GrupeNew Orleans Saints, Blake Grupe
Nov 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints place kicker Blake Grupe (19) reacts after a missed field goal attempt against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Blake Grupe began the 2025 season as the New Orleans Saints’ starting kicker. Unfortunately, Grupe’s struggles led to his release after making just 18 of 26 field goals over the first 11 games. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts and went 11-for-11 over the final five games.
Blake Grupe competed against Spencer Shrader for the Colts’ kicking job. Grupe went 2-for-4 during the preseason while Shrader went 5-for-5, including knocking down a 61-yard field goal against the New England Patriots and a 60-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions. Ultimately, Shrader was named the winner of the Colts’ competition, causing Grupe to hit the waiver wire.
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