The New York Jets’ kicking competition between Jason Sanders and Cade York is underway and will be a top headline throughout training camp.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Jets special teams coordinator Chris Banjo has been impressed by the “consistently competitive” approach shown by both players.
“They’re both consistently competitive, just in their approach, their process,” said Banjo. “They’re very, very resilient in regards of like some things that may go good or may not go good, and one snap and clear and they’re onto the next thing, and they’ve been doing a good job of that so far.”
Sanders, based on his NFL resume, appears to be the favorite for the role, but York, whom the Jets signed in free agency, is certainly in play.
In 116 career NFL games, Sanders has converted 84.6% of his field goal tries and 96.6% of his extra-point attempts. From 50+ yards, the former Miami Dolphin has drilled 33 of 48 kicks (68.8%) with a career-long of 57 yards.
After suffering a hip injury last preseason, Sanders missed the entirety of the 2025 season. But now, fully healthy, he is looking to earn the Jets’ starting role.
Throughout 23 career games in the pros, York has hit 33 of his 45 field goal attempts (73.4%) and 51 of his 54 extra point tries (94.4%). His career-long of 59 yards is longer than Sanders’ 57, but he hasn’t been as effective in closer range as Sanders has.
York has missed four kicks from 30-39 yards and another four from 40-49. Just like Sanders, he also didn’t kick for a team in the regular season last year.
Whether it be York, Sanders, or someone else, the Jets’ goal for this competition should be clear: find someone who can best replicate Nick Folk’s dominance from last season.
