Jets ink UFL kicker
Nick Novak of the Kansas City Chiefs kicks a field goal during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. (Aug. 16, 2008) Credit: Getty Images
The Jets have signed kicker Nick Novak, according to an NFL.com report.
Novak led the United Football League with 69 points in 10 games, and was the league's special teams player of the year after connecting on 15 of 18 on field goals. Novak has NFL experience, having had two stints with the Redskins. He's also suited up for the Chiefs and Cardinals.
Waived by the Chargers in September, Novak has appeared in 22 NFL games, hitting 19 of 30 field goals attempts. Novak's signing immediately puts Nick Folk on notice.
Folk, an impending free agent, nailed 30 of 39 attempts, but struggled during a strech near the end of the season. Folk's inconsistencies were highlighted in the playoffs, when he kicked a 32-yard game-winner in the Jets' AFC wild-card win over the Colts.
A week later, in the first quarter of their divisional win against the Patriots, Folk missed a 30-yarder following David Harris' 58-yard interception return into New England territory. The Jets said they never lost confidence in Folk, but it's now apparent they're going to explore their placekicking options.
(Updated, 5:40 p.m.): The Jets have officially announced the addition of Novak, and have also signed LBs Brandon Long and Garrett McIntyre.
McIntyre, a 6-3, 270-pounder by way of Fresno State, played for CFL's Hamilton Tiger Cats the past two seasons, recording 51 tackles and nine sacks.
Long, a 6-3, 254-pounder out of Michigan State, was waived by the 49ers in August after being signed as a free agent in April.