Jets re-sign kicker Greg Zuerlein on two-year deal
Greg Zuerlein of the Jets attempts a game tying field goal during the last play of a game against the Lions at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
A key member of the Jets’ special teams isn’t going anywhere.
Kicker Greg Zuerlein is re-signing with the Jets on a two-year deal worth $8.4 million. This was an important move. Zuerlein, 36, has stabilized the position for the Jets after they used seven kickers over a three-year stretch before he signed with them in 2022.
Zuerlein is coming off a terrific season. He connected on 35 of 38 field-goal tries and all but one of his 16 point-after attempts.
His 35 made field goals were tied for the second-most in the NFL last season.
Working out the deal with Zuerlein means the Jets can turn their attention to two other important players on special teams. Punter Thomas Morstead and gunner Justin Hardee are free agents that the Jets would like to bring back.
Rodgers-Bakhtiari reunion?
The Jets could pursue three-time Pro Bowl left tackle David Bakhtiari and reunite him with his good friend Aaron Rodgers.
This has been rumored for a long time, but it could be close to reality after Bakhtiari wrote a goodbye to Green Bay on Monday. The Packers released him to clear more than $20 million in cap space. Bakhtiari spent his entire 11-year career in Green Bay, 10 of them protecting Rodgers.
Rodgers responded to Bakhtiari’s social media post with a heart.
The Jets plan to rebuild their offensive line. If Bakhtiari, 32, is healthy — and can stay healthy — he would be a good addition. Bakhtiari has played only 13 games over the last three seasons. He played only one game last year before undergoing season-ending knee surgery.
Jets streams
Offensive line coach Keith Carter was at Oregon State’s Pro Day to see tackle Taliese Fuaga, who the Jets could consider with the No. 10 pick in next month’s draft . . . The Jets signed former Falcons and 49ers cornerback Isaiah Oliver to a one-year deal. They also brought back tight end Kenny Yeboah.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
