Jets kicker competition heating up in an unexpected way at training camp

The New York Jets have been through a roller coaster of emotions this offseason at the kicker position, and it felt like that may continue into training camp.

It started with Nick Folk leaving in free agency for the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the veteran kicker being one of the brightest spots of the 2025 season for New York, the Jets didn't feel the need to match or exceed the two-year, $9 million offer given to him by the Atlanta Falcons.

Folk's departure kicked off a game of musical chairs that saw New York cycle through kickers throughout the spring like it was nobody's business. Currently, they employ Cade York, whom they signed in March, and former All-Pro kicker Jason Sanders, who was cut by the Giants in June.

At first, it seemed like the Jets were far from complete, adding competition to the kicker room, considering the lackluster resume of York and the fact that Sanders hasn't kicked in a year. But according to the latest reports out of training camp, both veterans seem to be dialed in.

New York Jets seem to have their main kicker options in front of them

ESPN's Rich Cimini shared the kicking statistics from Tuesday morning's training camp practice, and both Sanders and York were on the money, with Sanders going a perfect 8-for-8 and York missing only one field goal attempt.

"Impressive kicking display: Sanders goes 8 for 8 on FGs ranging from 32 to 60 yards. York goes 7 for 8, only miss from 43. Kicking competition is neck and neck. Or leg and leg."

Sanders clearly gets the nod for Tuesday's practice, having not missed a single kick. But York has reportedly been impressive recently as well.

It should be a surprising development for Jets fans, who likely weren't all that confident in the plan at kicker following Folk's departure.

At minimum, you would think New York would've added another leg to the mix to continue pushing Sanders and York.

After all, Sanders missed all of the 2025 season with an injury and hasn't kicked in an NFL game in almost two years, while York, with only two years of NFL experience under his belt, has a career field goal percentage of 73.3%.

Instead, the Jets seem to have their Week 1 kicker already in the fold. It will come down to who can maintain the most consistency between Sanders and York throughout training camp and the preseason.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow