NY Jets latest kicker change might finally solve the team's problems

The NY Jets have returned to the familiar cycle of rotating kickers, a perpetual loop that the organization has been forced to deal with for the better part of the last decade. Greg Zuerlein was the temporary fix, but this year has proven that he's not the solution.

Zuerlein has made just one kick longer than 40 yards and was placed on the injured reserve last week with a supposed knee injury that magically popped up in practice. In reality, the Jets are giving Zuerlein a chance to reset with the hope that he returns to his stellar 2023 form.

No one should be holding their breath, though. That's why the Jets have been active in their pursuit of other options at the position. The team signed Riley Patterson this past week, but after making all three of his extra-point attempts, the Jets waived him on Friday.

The Jets' kicker this week is expected to be undrafted rookie Spencer Shrader, who similarly made all three extra points in his NFL debut with the Indianapolis Colts earlier this year. Shrader isn't the only contingency plan, however.

Anders Carlson could be the solution to the NY Jets' kicker woes

The Jets also signed former Green Bay Packers kicker Anders Carlson to their practice squad on Friday. Carlson will not be the Jets' kicker this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, but if Shrader fails to impress, the team won't hesitate to make a change.

Carlson comes with a bit more pedigree and upside than your average midseason kicker addition. The former Auburn standout was a sixth-round pick of the Packers in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was actually selected with one of the draft picks the Jets sent Green Bay as part of the Aaron Rodgers trade.

Carlson struggled mightily in his rookie season, making 27-of-33 field goals and just 34-of-39 extra-point attempts. He missed a crucial field goal in the Packers' Divisional Round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, ultimately costing his team the win.

The Packers would waive Carlson after he failed to win the job this summer. He'd sign on with the 49ers where he'd kick in two games this season, showing signs of progress.

Carlson has connected on all five of his field goal attempts in 2024, including two kicks from 40+ and two kicks from 50+. Remember, Zuerlein has made just one kick longer than 40 yards this season. Carlson did, however, miss one of his extra-point tries.

The Jets are hoping Carlson could follow a similar trajectory to his brother, Daniel Carlson, who has become one of the NFL's best kickers despite being released after just one season with the team that drafted him, the Minnesota Vikings.

The older Carlson also struggled in his rookie season before transforming his career with the Raiders, being named first-team All-Pro in 2022. Now, his younger brother hopes to follow in his footsteps as a member of the Jets.

At 36 years old, Zuerlein isn't a long-term answer, even if he figures it out. Carlson has the draft pedigree and upside to warrant taking a chance on him. Call it a hunch, but I have a weirdly good feeling about the Jets' latest kicker pickup.

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