The New York Jets have officially named veteran kicker Jason Sanders as the starter for their Week 1 matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed the decision on Friday, explaining that Sanders earned the nod after receiving the majority of practice reps during the preseason.
Coach Glenn’s rationale
Glenn said, “Jason will kick this week. He’s had most of the reps,” emphasizing the consistency Sanders has shown in practice. He also noted that the competition remains open, adding, “The thing is, Grupe, I want to make sure he gets a solid chance. He just got here last week. He hasn’t had a lot of chances… I want to make sure that I give him the proper chance for the competition. So, I want to let this thing play out.”
Sanders’ track record
At 30 years old, Sanders did not appear in a game last season after spending his first seven seasons with the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins. During his tenure with Miami from 2018‑2024, he converted 84.6% of his field‑goal attempts (187 of 221) and 96.6% of his extra‑point attempts (259 of 268) across 116 games.
Blake Grupe’s credentials
Blake Grupe, 27, was claimed off waivers from Indianapolis on Aug. 31. In 50 games with the New Orleans Saints (2023‑2025) and the Indianapolis Colts (2025), he converted 81.9% of his field goals (86 of 105) and 98.0% of his PATs (96 of 98). The Jets will retain Grupe on the 53‑man roster, giving him a chance to compete for playing time as the season begins.
What’s at stake
The Jets open the 2026 NFL season on the road at Nissan Stadium, where the Titans will look to capitalize on home‑field advantage. Securing a reliable kicker is crucial for close games, and the coaching staff believes Sanders’ experience will provide the stability needed in the early weeks.
Looking ahead
While Sanders starts the first game, Glenn’s comments suggest that performance in practice and early games will determine whether Grupe earns additional opportunities. Both kickers will be under the microscope as the Jets aim to improve their special‑teams unit and contend in a competitive AFC East.
Fans can expect the Jets to emphasize disciplined special‑teams play as part of their broader strategy to rebound after a disappointing previous season. The kickoff will take place on Sunday, and the outcome could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
