The New York Jets are in the kicker market… again. Over the past few seasons they have struggled to really nail down their kicker and this has, on many occasions, resulted in missed field goals which cost them important wins.

Greg Zuerlein’s Struggles

Stability at kicker: Greg Zuerlein, the longtime Cowboys vet who signed a one-year deal in 2023 (and re-upped it for two more seasons) was brought north to serve as kicking security — and he is perfect from his spot so far. But Zuerlein has been inconsistent this season, missing some important kicks in key spots. His inconsistency has led the Jets to look at other possibilities.

The Search for a New Kicker

Zuerlein’s struggles have forced the Jets to host a couple of kicker tryouts as they look for someone more dependable. He has since worked out a few free-agent kickers for the job, including:

Riley Patterson

Cade York

Matt Coghlin

Each of the following is proof that a kicker in any given NFL game can determine an outcome. A reliable kicker can make a huge difference in the outcome of games, especially those decided by less than three points. Field goals missed or extra points blocked can change the momentum of a game and may decide winner from loser.

Influence of Kicking on the Performance of Your Team

How much explosive special teams power can a team have? A trustworthy kicker gives a team an improved sense of security and raises both scoring possibilities and winning odds. On the other hand, a kicker who cannot deliver can fry team morale and result in costly L’s.

An underlying lesson in the Jets’ yearlong kicker odyssey: Talent, consistency and performing under pressure are three traits that don’t always seems to co-exist. The team will go through its options still but with any luck, maybe they can actually find a kicker to help them accomplish the biggest one of all.

Have you ever wondered what hardships have infamously plagued the Jets across their 60 year history at a minute by minute level?