Kicker Feely leaves Jets, jumps to Cardinals
Kicker Jay Feely #3 of the New York Jets reacts after making a 48-yard field goal in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts. (Jan. 24, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
When the Jets signed kicker Nick Folk on Feb. 23, Jay Feely left the door open for a possible return, hoping the two sides still might find a way to strike a deal, given that he really didn't want to test the free-agent waters.
But that door was slammed shut Friday when the 33-year-old kicker, an unrestricted free agent, signed a two-year, $4.8-million deal with the Cardinals with a $500,000 signing bonus.
Feely, who earned $1.5 million in 2009, made 54 of 64 field-goal attempts and 71 of 71 extra points in his two seasons with the Jets.
He wasn't as steady against the Colts in the AFC Championship Game, however, missing two of three attempts in the Jets' 30-17 loss.
Feely replaces Neil Rackers, the Cardinals' kicker the past seven seasons and someone the Jets could sign.
"I am truly sad to leave the Jets organization," Feely said on his Twitter page. "The relationship I had with the fans was awesome. Thanks for all the support.
"My Jets teammates and coaches will be truly missed. There are a lot of great guys on that team and that atmosphere is phenomenal."
Although the Jets lost Feely, they actually gained the ability to sign an unrestricted free agent. Under stringent rules associated with being one of four teams to advance to a conference title game, the Jets now can sign an unrestricted free agent, provided it matches Feely's deal monetarily.
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