With a desire to flip the page from 2024, the overhaul of the New York Jets continues. In their latest move, the team continues to embrace a new identity and energy in the locker room. After three seasons in New York, the team announced it will release kicker Greg Zuerlein. Before arriving in New York, the 13-year veteran is best known for his tenure with the Los Angeles Rams, where he was named First Team All-Pro in 2017. He signed with the Jets after two years with the Dallas Cowboys. Despite some early success, Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein had a rough 2024 season. Due to Zuerlein’s departure, Anders Carlson will enter training camp as the presumed starting kicker.
Breaking: Jets to Release Ex-All-Pro Kicker
Zuerlein’s tenure with the Rams began in 2012, after being drafted by the then-St. Louis Rams in the 6th round. In his rookie season, he flashed great leg strength, making all seven 40-49 yard field goal attempts, and made seven field goals from over 50+ yards. That success continued in 2013 when Zuerlein made 92.9% of all field goal attempts. However, it was after the Rams moved to Los Angeles in 2016 did Zuerlein really shone.
Once the Rams hired Sean McVay as their new head coach, the energy within the organization shifted. Including Greg Zuerlein. In 2017, Zuerlein was a near-flawless 38/40 on all field goal attempts that season. This includes 12 field goals within 40-49 yards and six of seven on all 50+ yard field goals. This prowess was useful in the Rams 2018 Super Bowl run as well, with Zuerlein making 80% of all field goals in the postseason. Unfortunately, the Rams lost to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl 13-3.
Soon, Zuerlein’s tenure came to an end after the 2019 season, after signing a three-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. However, Zuerlein struggled with extra points and injuries during his tenure in Dallas. His extra point percentage dropped in each of his two seasons. Eventually, Zuerlein was released in 2022 to help the Cowboys salary cap management.
Second Chapter in MetLife Stadium
Following his departure in Dallas, Zuerlein signed a one-year deal with the Jets and beat out Eddy Piñero in the kicking competition. The move would prove beneficial to both New York and Zuerlein in 2022. Zuerlein set the franchise record for longest field goal after making a 60-yard attempt vs. the Minnesota Vikings. Zuerlein made 30 of his 37 attempts that year, including six 50-yard or more field goals. This success would continue into 2023 as well, finishing with a FG% of 92.1%.
However, 2024 is a year Zuerlein would want to forget. Unfortunately, Zuerlein’s leg strength has regressed at 37 years old. Through five attempts, he made only one field goal of 40 yards or more. On the season, he made a career worst 60% of all field goal attempts. While it’s unfortunate to see an All-Pro player lose their luster, it is the best course of action for the New York Jets at this time.
New Look on Special Teams
Along with Zuerlein, the team released veteran punter Thomas Morstead as well. The Jets special teams unit will look different without their veteran presence on the sideline. The presumed front-runner for the kicking job is Anders Carlson. Carlson signed with New York last year and made 80% of all field goal attempts through five games on the Jets. The 26-year-old was drafted by the Green Bay Packers out of Auburn in 2022. After being released in August, Carlson spent the 2024 season between the Jets and the San Francisco 49ers.
Main Photo: [Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com] – USA Today Sports
