The New York Jets' kicker competition lasted just one week before the team made a swift and decisive change.
On Wednesday, the Jets released veteran kicker Younghoe Koo mere days after signing him and promptly signed Jason Sanders, who was recently let go by the New York Giants. This quick turnaround is among the shortest kicking tenures in Jets history and indicates the coaching staff saw enough during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) to alter their initial plans.
Reports indicate Koo struggled during these voluntary workouts. Despite being brought in less than a week earlier to compete with Cade York, the Jets concluded that Koo was not the answer after a few days of practice. Head Coach Aaron Glenn and General Manager Darren Mougey wasted no time in adjusting the roster.
Jason Sanders, 30, arrives with a reliable track record. He spent the majority of his career with the Miami Dolphins before a brief stint with the Giants earlier this offseason. Sanders converted 84.6 percent of his field goals in the 2024 season and boasts a career-long of 57 yards. For a Jets team eager to stabilize special teams after years of inconsistency, Sanders' experience and consistency represent a significant upgrade over the limited sample Koo showed in OTAs.
What OTAs Revealed: The Quick Hook
Typically, OTAs are designed for conditioning, installation of schemes, and rookie acclimation rather than roster-deciding battles. But for specialists, every rep matters, as their roster spot often hinges on precision and reliability.
Younghoe Koo, at 31 years old, has long been one of the NFL's most dependable kickers, boasting an 87.3 percent field goal rate and 92.4 percent extra point accuracy from 2022 to 2024. He appeared once last season for the Falcons, going 4-for-4 in field goals, before hitting free agency.
So why the sudden release? Details remain scarce, but reports highlight inconsistency and missed kicks during OTAs, even in low-pressure drills. Head Coach Aaron Glenn, known for running a disciplined special teams unit with Special Teams Coordinator Chris Banjo, emphasized openness to competition during his May 28 press conference but acknowledged that the kicking contest concluded swiftly, well ahead of minicamp.
Sanders brings fresh legs and recent NFL experience. In 2025, he played 17 games, converting 24 of 28 field goals with strong accuracy inside 49 yards. While his long-range success dipped slightly in 2024 (3-for-6 on field goals beyond 50 yards), his consistency in typical field goal range fits the Jets' offensive philosophy, which anticipates leaning heavily on running back Breece Hall and a stout defense.
Roster Ramifications
With Koo's departure, the Jets now have two kickers: Jason Sanders and Cade York. York, drafted in 2022 by the Cleveland Browns and recently acquired, was initially set to battle Koo for the job. Now the competition narrows.
Sanders holds the experience and proven NFL success edge, while York offers youth and a strong leg, being a highly touted prospect from LSU. The Jets have favored competition at every position, but priority lies in reliability -- no missed kicks that cost games will be tolerated.
Financially, the Jets have ample salary cap space -- $28.69 million according to Over the Cap -- to absorb Sanders' contract. Releasing Koo shortly after signing him minimizes any financial repercussions. This was unequivocally a football-driven decision.
The Bigger Picture: Seeking Special Teams Stability
The Jets' kicking position has long been unstable. Since 2020, they have deployed seven different kickers in regular-season games, resulting in poor consistency and avoidable losses. Last season, the Jets ranked 28th in field goal percentage at 79.2 percent, a figure unacceptable for a franchise aiming for playoff contention.
Sanders aims to bring much-needed stability. Known for a steady approach and composed demeanor, he has been with the same kicking coach for years and delivered under pressure -- notably making a game-winning 54-yard kick in prime time against the Patriots in 2023. The Jets will count on that steadiness in tight division matchups.
While Koo may find another opportunity elsewhere, his short stint in New York may serve as a cautionary tale about the Jets' low margin for error. One tough week of practice was enough to end his tenure.
Looking Ahead: Sanders' Opportunity
Mandatory minicamp begins next week, giving Sanders his first meaningful opportunity to cement his status as the likely starter. He is expected to receive the majority of reps with the first team, while York will get chances to showcase his talent.
By training camp in July, the Jets likely will have a clear winner in the kicking battle. Although carrying two kickers into the preseason is possible, it is uncommon on a 53-man roster, increasing the stakes of each practice session.
Currently, the Jets face long odds for the Super Bowl, tied for the lowest at +25000 on FanDuel, revealing a team in transition rather than one pegged as a contender. Every facet of the game counts for a franchise seeking to change its culture, and special teams reliability is a key component.
The "Koo experiment" was brief but instructive. With Sanders now in place, the Jets are placing their confidence in a proven veteran over an unknown ceiling. For a team needing every advantage in a tough AFC East, that is a wager worth taking.