Jets special teams take 1-2 punch to the gut
Jason Myers kicks off against the Packers during the second half of a game at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 23, 2018. Credit: Daniel De Mato
The Jets’ special teams took a big hit Wednesday.
Pro Bowl returner Andre Roberts and Pro Bowl kicker Jason Myers won’t be returning. Roberts is signing with the Bills and Myers with the Seahawks.
Myers said farewell to New York on Twitter Wednesday after he and the Jets couldn’t reach an agreement. Myers will sign a four-year, $15.5 million contract with Seattle.
“Thank you jets fans! I had a hell of a year in New York,” Myers tweeted. “I’ll truly cherish my time there and It’ll always hold a special place in my heart. You welcomed me and my family with support and love, and I’ll forever be thankful!”
The Jets had arguably the best special teams unit in the league last year under Brant Boyer, the only coordinator they kept after Todd Bowles was fired.
Roberts led the NFL in kickoff return yardage (1,174) and average yardage per punt (14.1). He also returned a kickoff and punt for a touchdown.
Myers set an NFL single-season record with five field goals of at least 55 yards. He ranked seventh in the NFL in scoring (129 points) after connecting on 33 of 36 field goals and 30 of 33 extra points. Myers was 7-for-7 on field goals in a Week 6 win over the Colts, setting a Jets' record for most field goals made in a single game.
Now the Jets need a new kicker and they will have to find a reliable returner.
Newly acquired Jamison Crowder returned punts and Josh Bellamy kicks for their respective teams. Trenton Cannon is someone Boyer envisions being a dangerous returner. But he has to prove himself after muffing too many punts and kickoffs as a rookie last year.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
