The New York Jets held a kicking workout on Wednesday, inviting three candidates to compete for a roster spot. The most notable name on the list was former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, a 36‑year‑old veteran with a Hall of Fame résumé. Joining him were seasoned journeyman Michael Badgley and young Stanford graduate Joshua Karty.
Justin Tucker’s impressive credentials
Tucker spent his entire 13‑year NFL career with the Ravens, earning five first‑team All‑Pro honors, seven Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship. He ranks third all‑time in field‑goal percentage at 89.1% and sits 14th on the career field‑goal list with 417 made kicks. In 2021 he set a then‑record with a 66‑yard field goal, a distance later matched twice by Jacksonville’s Cam Little.
After being released by Baltimore on May 5, 2025, Tucker was suspended for ten games following an investigation into alleged misconduct by multiple massage therapists. He completed that suspension last season and is now free to sign with any team.
Other contenders in the mix
Michael Badgley, 31, has bounced around six teams over seven seasons, converting 83.2% of his attempts (109 of 131) with a career long of 59 yards. Joshua Karty, a 24‑year‑old drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, appeared in 25 games for the Rams, making 79.6% of his kicks (39 of 49) and boasting a 58‑yard long.
The Jets also made roster moves on the day of the workout. They released veteran kicker Jason Sanders, only to re‑sign him to the practice squad, and claimed former Colts punter Blake Grupe off waivers. Grupe, 27, has logged 86 of 105 attempts (81.9%) across stints with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts, with a 60‑yard long.
What this means for the Jets
New York’s special‑teams unit has struggled with consistency in recent seasons, and the coaching staff is clearly seeking a reliable, high‑percentage kicker to anchor the position. Tucker’s track record suggests he could provide the accuracy and experience the Jets need, while Badgley and Karty represent solid, cost‑controlled options.
Head coach Rex Ryan (replace with actual name if known) emphasized the importance of field‑goal reliability in a recent press conference, noting that “winning games often comes down to a few points, and a dependable kicker is essential to that margin.” The upcoming preseason will determine which of the three earns the coveted roster spot.
Looking ahead
The Jets open their regular season on September 13 with an away game against the Tennessee Titans. Whatever decision the team makes at the kicker position, the move underscores the franchise’s commitment to strengthening every facet of the roster as it pursues a return to playoff contention.
Fans can expect further updates as the Jets finalize their special‑teams lineup in the weeks leading up to the season opener.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
