Recently cut Jets veteran unlikely to reunite with former team despite fan outcry

Thomas Morstead’s second stint with the New York Jets officially came to an end last week when the team released the 39-year-old veteran punter. Morstead spent the past two seasons in New York, briefly stabilizing a long-unsettled position and emerging as a reliable veteran leader in the locker room.

Now a free agent once again, many New Orleans Saints fans have been clamoring for a reunion. Morstead spent 12 years in New Orleans, became a franchise icon, and is still beloved by the fanbase.

With the team looking to reset in the post-Derek Carr era, Morstead’s leadership and legacy would offer a feel-good jolt of familiarity. After all, who doesn't love a trip down nostalgia lane?

But despite the public push, a return to New Orleans doesn’t appear to be in the cards. According to WDSU’s Fletcher Mackel, the Saints “aren’t ready to do anything with Thomas at this time." New Orleans reportedly does not have interest in a Morstead reunion tour.

Thomas Morstead's NFL career could be over after NY Jets release

Morstead was excellent for the Jets in 2023, emerging as one of the league’s best punters and even earning the honor of being the AFC's top alternate for the Pro Bowl.

He averaged 48.8 yards per punt with 36 punts downed inside the 20-yard line, while leading the NFL with 4,831 punt yards, helping provide stability during an otherwise tumultuous Jets season.

Unfortunately, 2024 didn’t bring the same results. Morstead took a clear step back last season, ranking below league average in most key metrics. Having just turned 39 last month, the Jets made the decision to get younger at the position this offseason.

In his place, the Jets will host a competition between two young, unproven options. Former Texas Tech standout Austin McNamara was signed in March after spending last summer with the Cincinnati Bengals.

He’ll battle with newly signed undrafted rookie Kai Kroeger, a two-time All-American at South Carolina, best known for his trick-play ability — Kroeger completed 7-of-10 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns during his college career.

As for the Saints, Morstead's old team already has two punters on the roster. Matthew Hayball, a former Australian rules football player, handled punting duties in 2024 and performed well enough to earn another look.

The team also added fellow Aussie James Burnip as an undrafted rookie this spring, setting up a likely training camp battle between two young international prospects. While Morstead’s return would make for a great story, the Saints appear focused on the future, much like the Jets.

It would be a storybook reunion, but nostalgia alone isn’t enough. For now, both the Jets and Saints seem ready to turn the page.

More NY Jets news and analysis: