In a surprising move just days after their rookie minicamp, the Jets have parted ways with veteran punter Thomas Morstead. To fill his roster spot, the Jets signed Kai Kroger.
An experienced player who solidified the punter position since his arrival two seasons ago, Morstead departs in favor of Kai Kroger and Austin McNamara. Neither has ever punted in an NFL game.
So bad was the Jets offense two seasons ago, that there was talk among fans that Morstead may have been the team’s MVP. That season he punted the ball 99 times for 4,831 yards along with a career high 36 punts inside the twenty yard line.
Kroger did his punting for South Carolina and had six contests this season in which he averaged at least fifty yards per punt. On the season, he averaged 47.8 yards per attempt.
What makes the move so surprising is the recent commentary from head coach Aaron Glenn on how much emphasis he places on being able to win on special teams. With that being the case, perhaps the Jets would have been better served holding a competition in training camp, but it seems the Jets brass didn’t feel that way.
