Jets insider reveals what led to Nick Folk deciding to leave for the Falcons

The New York Jets didn't suffer from many departures in free agency, certainly acquiring more than they lost. But one area they did take a blow at was the kicker position.

Nick Folk, arguably the best kicker the Jets had in almost a decade, left for the Atlanta Falcons on the first day of the legal tampering period, inking a two-year deal with Atlanta.

The 41-year-old Folk had an elite season in 2025, making 28 of 29 field goal attempts, never missing a single extra point attempt, and even drilling a career-long 58-yard field goal.

New York had interest in bringing him back for another go around in what would've been his ninth-career season with the Jets, but the two sides were too far apart in free agency, and Folk decided to take his talents south.

Rich Cimini reveals Jets lowballed kicker Nick Folk in free agency

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Folk wanted to stay with the Jets. The problem was that they weren't willing to offer him the contract that the Falcons did.

"Folk wanted to remain in New York. The Jets, mindful of his age (41), offered a one-year contract. No word on the amount, but it probably was similar to what he made last season on a one-year deal ($3.25 million, including incentives). The Falcons offered two years, $9 million, about half of which is guaranteed."

Rich Cimini

It seems the Jets could've matched Atlanta's offer, and Folk would've opted to stay in New York. Instead, they felt they had gotten the best out of their veteran kicker and let him leave.

It's a fairly significant gamble for the Jets brass, considering the kicking woes they dealt with before Folk's miraculous 2025 season. Everyone remembers Greg Zuerlein's well-documented struggles in 2024 that may have cost them multiple games.

Instead, the Jets will bank on finding their next kicker this summer in a competition. They signed Cade York in free agency and have a 23-year-old prospect named Lenny Krieg from the German Football League.

They'll probably add, at minimum, another body this offseason to compete with both York and Krieg, before they decide on who will be their starter come Week 1.