With the New York Jets’ preseason kicking off in less than a week, the team’s kicking competition is about to take center stage.
The battle is between well-known veteran Jason Sanders and journeyman Cade York.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Jets special teams coordinator Chris Banjo emphasized Sanders’ experience as “huge” for the team.
“I think that’s huge,” he said. “You talk about a guy who’s kicked in our division before, a guy who’s kicked in our stadium. So, a guy who is very confident in his ability and has shown time in and time out that he can get the job done. So, having somebody with experience like that is something that we hold dear.”
Amongst all of Banjo’s comments this offseason, this quote is easily his most telling. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean Sanders is the Jets’ “favorite” to win the job or that it’s his role, but it’s certainly noteworthy.
All the traits Banjo mentioned are certainly valuable. York doesn’t check those boxes.
Sanders’ experience and proven track record speak for themselves. He should be viewed as the front-runner for the job.
However, the Jets’ decision will most likely largely hinge on preseason performance.
If York looks the part throughout Gang Green’s three preseason games and Sanders appears to have regressed from his effective 2024 season, there is a very high possibility that the team elects to go with the 25-year-old.
The primary reason for concern with Sanders is health. Last preseason, the 30-year-old sustained a hip injury, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season.
Now into his 30s, those types of injuries can flare up at any moment and cause legitimate setbacks.
Take Graham Gano as an example. Starting in 2018 with the Carolina Panthers, when he was 31 years old, lower-body injuries became more frequent and have only become more prevalent over the past few years.
Over the past three seasons, he’s only appeared in 23 games, including just five last year.
For Sanders, proven experience is his biggest advantage, but his body must hold up.
