If you've spent any time following the New York Jets this offseason, you've probably seen the question pop up on social media, heard it on talk radio, and read it in nearly every roster breakdown: What are they going to do about the kicking game?
The answer, according to the Jets' special teams coordinator, Chris Banjo, is nothing dramatic -- and that's exactly the point.
In a media session held in early May 2026, Banjo addressed the growing narrative that the Jets have a kicking problem heading into the 2026 season. His response was measured, confident, and notably dismissive of the external noise. Banjo didn't just wave off the concern -- he reframed it entirely.
"I think people outside the building make a bigger deal out of it than we do," Banjo said. "We've got talent in that room. We've got competition. My immediate goal is to get the best guy ready to go, and I'm confident we'll have that."
That statement might not make headlines on its own, but for a Jets fan base that has lived through field goal heartbreaks -- and watched the team cycle through kickers in recent years -- it's a notable vote of confidence from the man in charge of the operation.
The State of the Kicking Room
As of the 2026 offseason roster, the Jets list three placekickers: Lenny Krieg (#48), Cade York (#36), and Will Ferrin. None of them have yet secured the starting job, and none are household names -- at least not yet.
York, a fourth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2022, is the most experienced of the trio. He has appeared in 17 NFL regular-season games over parts of three seasons, converting 78.8 percent of his field goal attempts and making all of his extra points. However, his career has been somewhat tumultuous; he was waived by Cleveland during his second year, spent time on the Tennessee Titans practice squad, and eventually joined the Jets.
Krieg is a relative unknown -- an undrafted free agent who spent last season on a practice squad. Ferrin, another undrafted free agent with a strong college background, has yet to see regular-season action.
On paper, that might not inspire immediate confidence. From the outside, it looks like a three-way battle between a reclamation project, a rookie free agent, and an unproven talent. But Banjo isn't viewing the competition through that lens.
"We've got three guys who can all kick," he said. "They've got different strengths, different backgrounds, but they all belong here. It's not about who's done what in the past. It's about who's the best option for us right now. That's what we're going to figure out."
Banjo's Confidence Is Rooted in Experience and Process
Part of Banjo's calm demeanor comes from his experience. Having been around the league and seen kicking competitions unfold before, he understands the volatility inherent in that position. Late-round draft picks, undrafted free agents, and veterans alike have all succeeded or struggled -- it's a position where anything can happen.
Moreover, the difference between a successful kicking season and a disastrous one often hinges on minute details: the snap, the hold, protection, and the kicker's mental toughness in the moment.
The Jets have a strong infrastructure to support the kicking game. Long snapper Thomas Hennessy, a veteran with several years in New York, is widely regarded as one of the most reliable specialists in the league. Punter Austin McNamara has provided stability in his role after previous position turnover. The kicking operation, including the hold, is practiced meticulously under Banjo's watch.
"The operation matters more than people realize," Banjo explained. "If the snap is clean, the hold is consistent, the protection is there, then the kicker just has to do his job. We've got a great group of guys handling those details. That gives me a lot of confidence."
Learning from Recent History: The Jets' Kicking Journey
This isn't the first time the Jets have entered a season with uncertainty at kicker. Just a few years ago, in 2023, the team signed veteran Greg Zuerlein, who had a resurgent season by making 92.3 percent of his field goals. However, in 2024, the Jets cycled through three kickers, a carousel that contributed to inconsistencies that affected their playoff chances.
That experience taught the Jets' front office and coaching staff valuable lessons: kicking consistency matters significantly, especially in close games.
Instead of overcorrecting by signing a high-priced veteran, the Jets chose a different path this offseason. They brought in three young legs -- none of whom were drafted by the team -- and opened a competition. Their instruction to those kickers was simple: Prove it.
This approach fits seamlessly within the Jets' broader philosophy under General Manager Darren Mougey, who emphasizes competition and depth throughout the roster. Head Coach Aaron Glenn, respected for his toughness and accountability, supports this approach as well.
Banjo embodies this organizational culture. He's not making excuses or promising a Pro Bowl campaign; he's simply focused on finding the best kicker on the roster and preparing that player for success.
What's Next for the Jets' Kicking Competition?
The kicking competition will extend through the upcoming training camp and into the preseason. Jets fans should not expect an immediate decision in early May. The coaching staff wants to observe the kickers in full-speed, game-like situations, including with live rushes and pressure-filled moments.
Banjo's immediate task is to establish a baseline, narrow the field, and prepare the eventual starter to seamlessly join the team's special teams units heading into Week 1.
"We don't need to name a starter today," Banjo said. "I need to see them compete. I need to see them handle adversity. I need to see them perform when it matters. That takes time."
For Jets fans, who have endured missed kicks and agonizing losses -- notably the 2024 season opener -- this patient approach may be difficult. The desire for certainty is natural. But Banjo asks for something else: trust.
"I get why people are worried," he acknowledged. "But I've been in this league long enough to know that you don't win games on paper. You win them with the guys who step up. And I believe we've got those guys."
The Bigger Picture: Building Through Process Not Panic
This unfolding story is more about process than panic. The Jets have a clear plan: identify talent, create competition, build a reliable operation, and trust the results. It's not flashy and won't make for sensational headlines, but it is the foundation for sustainable success.
Banjo's comments are reflective of the Jets' evolving organizational philosophy. Under the stewardship of Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, there is less noise and drama, and more accountability and focus. The special teams coordinator isn't sugarcoating hopes -- he's affirming his belief in the process and the players.
For a franchise historically defined by chaos and inconsistency, that is a welcome shift.
Ultimately, the kicking game will be decided by performance on the field. The Jets don't need a superstar kicker; they need consistency, timely execution, and a player who can convert from 45 yards under the bright lights of New York.
Banjo believes the team currently has that player in-house.
And he's in no rush to prove the doubters wrong -- at least not with words.
"I'll let the results speak for themselves," he said with a slight smile. "That's when people really listen."
For now, Jets fans must do the same: wait, watch, and trust that the man leading the special teams unit possesses a steady hand -- and a plan.
This measured approach to the kicking position is emblematic of the Jets' offseason thus far, blending cautious optimism with organizational discipline. The upcoming months, filled with training camp battles and preseason showdowns, will reveal who will claim the crucial kicking role for New York in 2026. Until then, steady trust in process and performance remains the guiding philosophy.
About the Author
Tyler Kain is an NFL analyst and senior fact checker specializing in the New York Jets. He brings keen insight into roster construction, coaching dynamics, and player performance for Jets fans nationwide.