Veteran Jets kicker Jason Sanders earns the nod for Sunday’s opener, but a looming position battle awaits as newcomer Blake Grupe works to master the operation in New York.
The New York Jets have named their starting kicker for their Week 1 contest against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
That doesn't mean a kicking competition between Jason Sanders and Blake Grupe won't commence next week.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters on Friday that Sanders earned kicking duties against the Titans.
“Jason will kick this week," Glenn said, via Pro Football Talk. "He’s had most of the reps. 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 to get a lot of work with [long snapper Thomas Hennessy and holder Austin McNamara]. I want to make sure I give him the proper chance for the competition, so I want to let this thing play out.”
Sanders has previous experience kicking in the league, playing with the Miami Dolphins from 2018 to 2024. He missed last season due to a hip injury. He's made 84.6 percent of his field goal attempts and 96.6 percent of his extra point attempts.
Grupe has spent time with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts. He's made 81.9 percent of his field goal attempts and 98 percent of his extra point attempts.
Grupe told reporters this week that it takes some time to get used to working with new teammates on special teams.
"Definitely takes time," Grupe said, via the Jets. "Austin and Henny have been great. Henny's been here for a long time. Austin, obviously, they did it at a high level last year. So, can't ask for a better operation to come into, and it does take time.
"It does take reps, but that's what preparation is for. That's what this week's for and so looking forward to continue to work with them."
Kicker Nick Folk made 28 of his 29 field goal attempts for the Jets last season. He made all of his extra point attempts. The 41-year-old kicker joined the Atlanta Falcons in March on a two-year contract.
The Jets will hope Sanders or Grupe can find consistency this season as the offense looks to be better in 2026.
