Who will be the New York Jets’ kicker in 2025?
All Jets fans want the answer to that question after Greg Zuerlein cost the team multiple games in 2024.
On their current roster, New York has Anders Carlson, who kicked five games for the Jets last season, and Caden Davis, an undrafted free agent from Ole Miss, currently under contract.
New York has also worked out two UFL kickers, Rodrigo Blankenship and Harrison Mevis, along with veteran NFL kicker Michael Badgley.
It poses the question… “Who is New York’s best option at kicker?”
The answer? Rodrigo Blankenship.
Why is Blankenship the Jets’ best option?
Blankenship’s NFL journey began in 2020, when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia and immediately earned the starting job.
Known for his trademark glasses and “Hot Rod” nickname, Blankenship quickly became a fan favorite in Indianapolis. In his rookie year, Blankenship made 86.5% of his field goal attempts and 95.6% of his extra points. That season, he was one of only five kickers who made over 85% of their field goals and 95% of their extra points.
Over 22 games with the Colts, Blankenship connected on 83.3% of his field goals and 94.5% of extra points, with a long of 53 yards.
Blankenship missed the final 11 games of his second season due to a hip injury. In the 2022 season opener, Blankenship sent two kickoffs out of bounds and missed a 42-yard game-winning field goal attempt in overtime, leading to his release.
Following his release, Blankenship had brief stints with the Cardinals and Buccaneers. He appeared in two games with Arizona, filling in for an injured Matt Prater and hitting both of his field goal attempts (including a 50-yarder), although he missed one of three extra point tries.
In 2023, Blankenship competed for a job in Tampa Bay but was cut during the preseason after losing the competition to Chase McLaughlin.
In 2025, Blankenship found new life in the UFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks, coached by former Jets tight end Anthony Becht. He thrived, drilling over 95% of his field goals (21 of 22), including a 56-yarder, with his only miss coming from beyond 50 yards.
Proven NFL capability
While Blankenship’s professional career has had its ups and downs, we know he is capable of being a reliable NFL kicker, which cannot be said of his competitors in New York. Anders Carlson has already been on three teams since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 draft, while undrafted rookie Caden Davis is an unproven commodity.
With kicking woes plaguing the team in 2024, the Jets need a leg with proven success in the NFL.
Blankenship fits that mold. He brings four seasons of NFL service, highlighted by his impressive rookie year (86.5% on field goals, 95.6% on extra points). While Blankenship declined after his first season (partially due to injury), he is on the way back up, coming off a strong showing in the UFL. Blankenship made five of his six 50+ yard attempts in 2025.
Thrives under pressure
Dating back to his college career at Georgia, Blankenship has built a reputation for reliability in high-pressure moments, a critical trait for any NFL kicker.
In the 2018 Rose Bowl, Blankenship drilled a 55-yard field goal, the longest in the game’s history, to tie Oklahoma and force overtime.
Just days later, in the College Football Playoff National Championship, he connected from 51 yards out in overtime to give Georgia a temporary lead against Alabama.
That poise followed him to the NFL. As a rookie in 2020, Blankenship nailed a 39-yard game-winner in overtime to lift the Indianapolis Colts over the Green Bay Packers in Week 11.
The Jets are in dire need of that kind of clutch consistency. In 2024, Greg Zuerlein missed two potential go-ahead attempts in the fourth quarter: a 50-yard attempt against the Broncos and a 43-yarder against the Bills. Each miss directly contributed to a New York loss.
Fan Favorite
Blankenship isn’t just known for his kicking ability; he’s built a following. With his signature black-rimmed glasses, quiet confidence, and quirky off-field interests, “Hot Rod” quickly became a fan favorite at Georgia and in Indianapolis.
Now, he could be exactly what the Jets need, not only as a stabilizing force on special teams, but as a personality fans can rally behind.
In a city that embraces individuality and effort, Blankenship’s combination of poise, production, and personality makes him an ideal fit.
Jets’ best kicker option is clear
As the Jets search for stability at kicker following a season defined by costly misses, Rodrigo Blankenship presents the most well-rounded solution.
With NFL experience, a recent resurgence in the UFL, and a reputation for delivering in high-pressure moments, he brings both reliability and upside.
Add in his highly likable personality and steady production, and Blankenship stands out as the kicker best equipped to bring consistency and confidence back to New York’s special teams unit.
