The New York Jets are evaluating their kicking situation after Greg Zuerlein’s inconsistent start to the 2024 NFL season. Zuerlein, a reliable kicker in past years, has missed four crucial field goals this season, including a potential game-winner against the Denver Broncos in rainy conditions. In response, the Jets have initiated tryouts for potential replacements, signaling a possible change in their special teams unit.

Jets Explore Options: Riley Patterson, Cade York, and Matt Coghlin

In an effort to stabilize their kicking game, the Jets recently worked out three kickers: Riley Patterson, Cade York, and Matt Coghlin. Each brings different strengths and challenges:

1. Riley Patterson – Known for his precision from under 50 yards, Patterson has a career field goal percentage of over 91.8% within that range. However, he has struggled with long-range attempts and inconsistency, as evidenced by a rough preseason stint with the Washington Commanders.
2. Cade York – York was initially a promising kicker for the Cleveland Browns, but his performance has been volatile. His career field goal rate hovers at 70.6%, and he recently missed two attempts in the season opener for Washington, resulting in his release.
3. Matt Coghlin – Although inexperienced in the NFL, Coghlin has drawn attention for his consistent performances in the United Football League (UFL). His lack of NFL game experience makes him a risk, but his potential has intrigued teams like the Jets and the 49ers, who also recently evaluated him.

Coughlin New York Jets on the Hot Seat

Zuerlein’s misfires have placed him under increasing scrutiny, especially since the Jets had re-signed him earlier this year on a two-year, $8.4 million contract with $4.2 million guaranteed. While cutting Zuerlein mid-season would incur dead cap costs, the Jets seem determined to explore all alternatives to maintain playoff hopes. Special teams errors can cost teams close games, which the Jets cannot afford given their competitive schedule.

What’s Next for the Jets’ Kicking Unit?

While no signings have been confirmed, head coach Robert Saleh and the coaching staff must soon decide whether to stick with Zuerlein or move in a new direction. Bringing in new kickers at mid-season is a risky proposition, as it takes time for players to adjust to new environments. However, if the Jets want to contend in the AFC East, they cannot afford further slip-ups.

For more news and updates on the Jets’ kicking situation, visit TheNewsify.

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• Learn more about the Jets’ recent roster decisions on Pro Football Rumors.
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• Jets Kicking Struggles Draw National Attention
• The Jets’ decision to explore new kickers has sparked significant buzz across the NFL landscape. Analysts have pointed out that, while Zuerlein has a strong track record, the recent misses have raised doubts about his reliability moving forward. According to NFL.com, the Jets are considering whether to absorb the financial loss of cutting Zuerlein in order to prioritize consistency in their kicking game​
• Jets X-Factor. Pro Football Rumors highlights that Cade York and Riley Patterson, though talented, carry their own risks due to recent struggles with other franchises​
• Pro Football Rumors.
• Similarly, ESPN’s Field Yates reported that mid-season kicker changes are not uncommon, as teams frequently use such moves to spark improvement in special teams​
• Pro Football Rumors. This situation mirrors what other franchises, like the San Francisco 49ers, experienced when searching for a stable kicking option earlier this season. For those following every aspect of the Jets’ roster decisions, it will be important to monitor these developments through trusted sources like NFLTradeRumors.co or Pro Football Focus, both of which provide up-to-date insights on player tryouts and team strategies​
• Jets X-Factor​
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• For comprehensive coverage of these events and how they affect the Jets’ playoff aspirations, follow detailed analysis on our homepage at TheNewsify. Keep an eye on other significant team updates from reliable sports outlets like NFL.com and ESPN.com.
• The Impact of Special Teams on NFL Success
• Special teams are often the unsung heroes in professional football, but their impact can make or break a team’s season. For franchises like the Jets, every point counts in a division as competitive as the AFC East. Consistency in the kicking game becomes even more crucial when competing against top-tier teams like the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. Teams that have reliable special teams units, like the Baltimore Ravens—led by Justin Tucker—often find themselves better positioned in close games​
• Jets X-Factor
• . As NFL experts point out, mid-season changes to critical positions such as kicker aren’t rare. For example, the San Francisco 49ers recently replaced their kicker in an attempt to solidify their playoff chances​
• Pro Football Rumors.
• The Jets are walking a fine line: Zuerlein’s history suggests he can bounce back, but further struggles may leave the team with little choice. Other franchises facing similar issues have benefited from quick decisions; for instance, the Cleveland Browns found short-term solutions by experimenting with multiple kickers earlier this year. For an in-depth look at how roster changes have impacted NFL teams historically, check out this analysis on Bleacher Report or the full breakdown of recent mid-season replacements at NFLTradeRumors.co​
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• Pro Football Rumors.
• Stay informed about these developments as they unfold by following us at TheNewsify. Our coverage includes timely updates on special teams, player transactions, and other key moments shaping the Jets’ season.