The New York Jets are holding a kicking competition after Greg Zuerlein missed an NFL-high six attempts through the season’s first eight weeks.
“We are going to do what is best of the team,” said interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. “We are going to have a good week of work. We are going to bring some guys in and have a competition, and the best guy will play on Thursday.”
Who is the Jets’ best option to replace the struggling veteran?
New York Jets’ free agent kicker options
It has not been reported who will be participating in the competition, but less than two weeks ago, the Jets worked out three free agent kickers: Matt Coghlin, Riley Patterson, and Cade York.
Patterson has appeared in 39 NFL games with the Lions, Jaguars, and Browns, drilling 59 of his 67 field goal attempts (88.1%) and 93 of 97 extra points (95.9%). While he is reliable within 50 yards at 91.8%, his range is limited, as he is 3-for-6 from 50+ yards with a career-long of 53 yards.
It is worth noting that Patterson is coming off a rough preseason with the Washington Commanders, making just 2-of-5 attempts with all three of his misses coming from under 50 yards.
Coghlin spent the last two seasons kicking in the UFL after graduating from Michigan State in 2021, emerging as one of the league’s premier kickers. He converted 34-of-36 field goal attempts (94.4%), including 6-of-7 from 50+ yards with a long of 57.
York has appeared in 18 NFL regular-season matchups, mostly for the Browns in 2022. He kicked for the Commanders in this year’s season opener but was released after missing both of his field goal attempts, coming from 47 and 56 yards.
York possesses a career field goal percentage of just 70.6%, converting 24 of his 34 attempts. He is prone to missing shorter kicks, converting just 76.9% of his attempts inside 50 yards.
I believe Patterson is the best option for the Jets, given his NFL experience, proven accuracy, and consistency, which are essential qualities for a kicker. York is too risky due to his inaccuracy and limited experience. Coghlin presents an intriguing option; however, despite his success in the UFL, his lack of NFL game experience raises concerns.
The Jets must confront this glaring issue head-on, and signing Patterson seems to be the most ideal solution to help them regain their footing on special teams.
