Jets Cut Kicker Greg Zuerlein Amid Youth Shift

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    The New York Jets parted ways with kicker Greg Zuerlein on Friday, an anticipated decision that aligns with the team’s strategy to infuse youth into its lineup.
    The 37-year-old Zuerlein had been with the Jets for the last three seasons, but his future with the team was uncertain. The new general manager, Darren Mougey, and head coach Aaron Glenn are focused on introducing younger talent into the roster.

    Zuerlein’s release was designated as a failed physical and occurred three days following the departure of 39-year-old punter Thomas Morstead. This season, the Jets have also moved on from several key veteran players, such as quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver Davante Adams, and linebacker C.J. Mosley.

    Following Zuerlein’s exit, Tyrod Taylor, who approaches his 36th birthday in August, remains the eldest player on the Jets’ roster. Taylor is anticipated to serve as a backup to Justin Fields. Currently, only two other players on the roster are in their 30s: long snapper Thomas Hennessy, who will turn 31 next month, and wide receiver Josh Reynolds, who is 30. Additionally, backup offensive lineman Zack Bailey will turn 30 in November, and wide receiver Allen Lazard reaches 30 in December.

    The Jets are now likely to host a kicking competition during training camp, involving Anders Carlson, who stepped in for Zuerlein in five games last season when Zuerlein was injured, and Caden Davis, a recent undrafted signing from Mississippi.

    Zuerlein appeared in only the first eight games of the previous season due to a knee injury that twice placed him on the injured reserve list, including by the season’s end. Prior to his time on the injured reserve, he had bouts of inconsistency, successfully making nine out of 15 field-goal attempts.

    Zuerlein had an impressive start with the Jets, showcasing excellent performances in his first two seasons. Notably, during a Week 13 match against Minnesota in the 2022 season, he set a franchise record with a 60-yard field goal. Additionally, Zuerlein became the first player in Jets history to achieve three field goals from beyond 50 yards in successive games and was only the third to hit two 50-plus yard field goals in a single match.

    His 2023 performance may be considered the best by a Jets kicker, successfully completing 35 of 38 field-goal attempts, including five of six from 50 yards or beyond. He further cemented his place in team history by setting a record of 26 consecutive field goals.

    Zuerlein began his NFL journey with the Rams, following his selection in the sixth round of the 2012 draft from Missouri Western, earning All-Pro honors in 2017. He later spent two seasons with Dallas before joining the Jets in 2022. Over his 13 NFL seasons, Zuerlein has converted 82.2% of his field goals and 95.6% of his extra-point attempts.

    To fill Zuerlein’s roster spot, the Jets signed defensive end Michael Fletcher, an undrafted free agent from Appalachian State who participated in rookie camp on a tryout basis.