In case it wasn’t clear, the New York Jets’ starting punter and kicker may not be on the roster.
Two years ago, New York had a Pro Bowl-caliber punter and kicker. Greg Zuerlein put forth one of the best years of his career, while Thomas Morstead became so crucial to the team that he was given his own introduction before a game.
After both players struggled throughout the 2024 season, though, New York’s young regime released Zuerlein and Morstead.
As training camp begins, it’s clear that each player’s intended successor still has plenty of answers to provide.
Jets Release Punter
Kai Kroger was the punter brought in for New York immediately following the release of Morstead. On Sunday, he was promptly released from the team after just a week of training camp.
That leaves Austin McNamara as the lone punter on the roster.
Through the first week, though, it’s clear neither Kroger nor McNamara has shown they were worthy of being on the opening day roster in a month. The same could be said for the kicking battle.
Caden Davis and Harrison Mevis are locked into a competition, but each has had their struggles with consistency. Both performed well during Saturday’s practice, but don’t have the kind of experience many expect the team to roll with once the regular season kicks off.
Kroger’s release is a reminder of the work cut out for special teams coordinator Chris Banjo. He has a number of intriguing options to choose from in a returner basis. He isn’t close to naming a starting kicker or punter at this point.
As the calendar shifts to August this week, those questions will need to be answered sooner rather than later.
Whatever ends up happening, though, it’s a safe bet that both New York’s future punter and kicker isn’t currently on the roster.
