The New York Jets Will Have A New Kicker In Week 18
Few teams in recent memory have been forced to cycle through field goal kickers as many times as the New York Jets have this year but they're going to do it one more time for Week 18.
According to ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, the Jets are signing veteran kicker Greg Joseph to their active roster. Joseph's agent was the first to announce the news.
"#Jets signing kicker Greg Joseph to the 53-man roster, per Joseph's agent, @TesslerSports . Seven-year vet signed to practice squad last week, will be New York's Week 18 kicker," Fowler wrote.
While the team has not officially announced that starting kicker Greg Zuerlein will miss their Week 18 clash with the Miami Dolphins, it's a pretty strong indicator.
The Jets activated Zuerlein for Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills, but did not play him at all. Punter Thomas Morestead took over the kickoff duties and the team did not attempt a field goal or an extra point the entire game.
Joseph has played for five different NFL teams since entering the league in 2018. This year alone he's played for two teams - the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders - albeit with mixed results.
While playing for the Giants in September and October, Joseph went 13 of 16 on field goals and converted all six extra point attempts. His three misses all came from between 40-49 yards though.
In his lone game for the Commanders, Joseph went 2-of-3 on field goals in a December 15 win over the New Orleans Saints.
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: Detailed view of an New York Jets helmet during an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Nashville, TN. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Few positions have caused the Jets as much woe as kicker this year. Joseph will be the fifth kicker to suit up for the Jets this year as the team started going through placekickers like they were out of style.
Greg Zuerlein started their first eight games but converted just nine of 15 field goals, going just 5-of-11 from beyond 30 yards. The Jets cycled through multiple replacements in the weeks that followed, nearly all of whom had more success than Zuerlein.
Riley Patterson, Spencer Shrader and Anders Carlson have all had their ups and downs with the organization and time will tell if any of them are given a contract next year.
