It’s the potential New York Jets reunion that nobody is talking about.
As all Jets fans know, kicking was a significant issue for Gang Green during the 2024 season. Coming off a strong 2023 campaign, Greg Zuerlein struggled mightily in 2024. He finished last among qualified kickers (minimum 15 field goal attempts) in field goal percentage at just 60% and missed an NFL-high six attempts over the first eight weeks of the season.
The Jets’ best move is to release Zuerlein after June 1. Doing so would cost them only $578K in dead cap for the 2025 season while saving more than $4.1 million, money that could be used to find a new kicker.
Perhaps that new kicker could be a familiar face: Nick Folk.
Despite being 40 years old, Folk continues to rank among the NFL’s most accurate kickers. Over the past two seasons (2023-24) with the Tennessee Titans, he led all kickers in field goal percentage (96.2%) and showed no signs of diminished leg strength, nailing 10-of-11 attempts from 50+ yards.
In 2024, Folk converted all six of his field goal attempts beyond 50 yards, including a long of 56 yards. Overall, he made 21 of his 22 field goal attempts, leading the NFL with a 95.5% conversion rate. Folk also made all 25 of his extra point attempts.
A model of consistency, Folk has hit 84.3% of his field goals over his career. He has only gotten better with age, posting a field goal percentage above 92% in four of the past five seasons.
Folk is no stranger to the Jets organization. He spent seven seasons in the Green and White (2010-16), hitting 82.2% of his field goal attempts and 99% of his extra points.
After the Titans signed kicker Joey Slye in free agency this March, Folk appears to be done in Nashville, but he still wants to play NFL football in 2025.
“I want to keep playing. I’ve told everyone that already,” Folk told reporters during 2024 locker cleanouts. “My mind is made up. Guys who I have talked to, they kind of like, know when they’re done.
“I haven’t ever thought that I want to be done with it,” he continued. “That’s just where I’m at. I want to keep playing, so it’s already made up. The decision is already made in my mind.”
Should the Jets sign Folk?
100 percent.
Two of the most critical traits in a kicker are consistency and leg strength, and Folk offers both at a high level. The Arizona product clearly still wants to play football, and his numbers show he deserves another NFL opportunity in 2025. Why not the Jets?
Folk has a veteran presence, has already kicked in New York, and possesses a strong, reliable leg. If the Jets release Zuerlein after June 1, they can put the savings toward signing Folk.
The Jets need a dependable kicker, and Folk fits that bill.
