The New York Jets are facing a critical issue with their kicker lineup.
Jason Sanders emerged victorious over Cade York in the Jets’ summer-long competition for the kicker position. However, with their upcoming game against the Titans on September 13, it seems likely that the team is actively scouting for additional kicking talent.
Sanders struggled noticeably on Friday night during the match against the Giants, failing to convert an extra point and missing a 54-yard field goal attempt.
His attempt at the 54-yard field goal fell significantly short of the mark.
While Sanders has struggled to inspire much confidence throughout the off-season, his performance was marginally more reliable than York’s, which led to the Jets’ decision to retain Sanders and release York last Tuesday.
That came one day after Sanders went 2-for-5 in practice field goal attempts. Sanders has not shown a big leg at all and now is even missing shorter kicks.
“Am I worried about it?” Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said after the Jets’ 23-6 preseason loss to the Giants at MetLife Stadium. “I didn’t like the fact that we missed these field goals. But the thing is we’re not going to panic and we’re going to make sure we make the right decision to make sure either we fix those issues or we get the right person in here.
“Jason’s been good for us. He’s been good in practice. I’m going to evaluate that and see exactly what direction we’ll go.”
The Jets did not re-sign Nick Folk in free agency after he had an outstanding 2025 season.
Folk instead signed with the Falcons.
The Jets now may be searching for another kicker either through a trade or on the waiver wire after teams make cuts this weekend.
Edge rusher Joseph Ossai started, one of the few players expected to have a big regular-season role to play.
But Ossai left with a foot injury after 11 plays and did not return.
Ossai was on the sideline and looked OK, but it is an injury to watch since the Jets expect him to have a role on defense after signing him to a three-year, $34.5 million contract in March.
Rookie guard Anez Cooper left the game with a shoulder injury.
CB Tre Brown (finger) and RB Dominic Richardson (elbow) also left the game.