The New York Jets made a key roster adjustment on June 1, 2026, waiving kicker Lenny Krieg and linebacker Kobe King as part of the ongoing offseason roster management. This move follows the Jets' signing of veteran kicker Younghoe Koo on May 28, marking a significant step in shaping the team heading into the 2026 season.
Kicking Competition Tightens
With the addition of Younghoe Koo, the Jets entered a three-kicker scenario that was unsustainable long-term. The team had Krieg, Koo, and Cade York on the roster after Koo was signed late May, creating an evaluation period during OTAs and minicamp to determine the likely kicking option for the upcoming season. The waiver of Krieg clears the way for a more focused competition between Koo and York.
Younghoe Koo brings a notable résumé to the competition. Despite only appearing in one game in the 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons--where he made 2 of 3 field goal attempts (66.7%) and contributed eight points--Koo's career from 2020 through 2024 established him as one of the league's premier kickers. His 2024 campaign, in particular, saw him connect on 93.1% of his field goals, ranking him near the NFL's top performers for accuracy.
In contrast, Cade York, a 2022 fourth-round pick by Cleveland now with the Jets, has had a rollercoaster career. In his rookie year, York was impressive with a 93.8% success rate on field goals but experienced a sharp decline to 55.6% accuracy in 2023 leading to his release. He spent parts of the 2024 and 2025 seasons on practice squads, making him a reclamation project. The competition between Koo and York essentially distills into proven veteran against high-potential but inconsistent younger kicker.
Krieg, an undrafted free agent signed earlier in the 2026 offseason, was always the long shot among the trio. His release is a natural roster correction that reduces the kicker room to the essential head-to-head battle.
Linebacker Depth Challenges Lead to King's Waiver
Linebacker Kobe King was the other player waived in this roster trimming. King, a 2025 sixth-round linebacker selection, had spent last season on the practice squad and was aiming to secure a depth role on the Jets' linebacking corps during spring activities.
However, the Jets' linebacker roster is tightly packed with established talent and developmental players. Veteran Demario Davis remains a reliable anchor despite his years in the league. Jamien Sherwood continues to provide solid second-level play, while Mykal Walker offers dependable veteran depth. Additionally, the team's 2025 second-round pick Kiko Mauigoa bolsters the unit's potential.
King was fighting for one of the final linebacker slots, typically reserved for players who can contribute significantly on special teams. The Jets also have developmental prospects Nathan Voorhis and Jaden Keller competing for roles behind the starters. King's waiver indicates the coaching staff's confidence in the other players' growth or fit over his.
This move also sheds light on the general manager Darren Mougey's approach to roster composition under his leadership: a pragmatic view that does not hesitate to move on from previous draft picks when they do not fit the current scheme or performance standards. There is a clear emphasis on readiness and contribution over sunk cost.
Roster and Strategic Outlook
With these moves, the Jets stand at 88 players on their offseason roster, leaving two open slots on the 90-man limit. These spots present opportunities to add veteran depth at positions of need, likely focusing on offensive line, defensive backfield, or edge rusher reinforcements as the team refines its camp roster.
The kicking situation is now set heading into training camp as a direct competition between Younghoe Koo and Cade York. Given Koo's track record and relatively fresh legs--owing to limited playtime last season--he is the presumptive favorite to win the job. York faces an uphill battle to prove he can overcome his recent inconsistency and reclaim a starting position.
Broader Team Context
The Jets continue to actively reshape their roster in the secondary and specialist roles this offseason, reflecting a strategic philosophy anchored in a "win-now" mentality. The organization's willingness to move decisively on young developmental players in favor of veterans capable of immediate impact underscores its commitment to competitiveness.
The kicking battle is a critical one for a Jets defense that aims to keep games close. Field goal reliability can be a decisive factor in tight contests, and securing a dependable kicker is paramount.
Looking ahead, observers should expect continued roster churn and strategic acquisitions in the coming weeks as the Jets finalize preparations for the 2026 season. The current moves exemplify the balancing act between developing talent and securing proven contributors as New York reshapes its roster for sustained success.
The Jets' recent roster moves underscore their focused approach to building a competitive team, highlighting clear priorities in special teams and linebacker depth as they gear up for the challenges of the upcoming NFL season.
