Jets, Zuerlein agree to new $8.4 million contract

The Jets kicked off free agency by re-signing their kicker.

The team and kicker Greg Zuerlein agreed to a two-year, $8.4 million contract just before the free agent negotiating window opened on Monday, a source confirmed.

Zuerlein, 36, has been with the Jets for the past two seasons and ended a revolving door at the position for the team with his accuracy and consistency. Zuerlein made 35 of 38 field goal attempts in 2023 and hit five from 50 yards or more. He was 15 of 16 on extra point attempts. Zuerlein has also kicked for the Rams and Cowboys.

The Jets also have punter Thomas Morstead scheduled to hit free agency and they are working to re-sign him.

Kicker had been an issue for years for the Jets after they moved on from Nick Folk. Zuerlein has brought stability to the position and the Jets trust him to kick from anywhere. He set the franchise record against the Vikings in 2022 with a 60-yard field goal.

The Jets signed several former Packers last season to surround Aaron Rodgers with familiar faces. It did not work out well with Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Billy Turner all having disappointing years.

Now, we’ll get to see if the Jets are still interested in bringing in former teammates of Rodgers. The Packers made two significant cuts on Monday, releasing tackle David Bakhtiari and running back Aaron Jones.

Bakhtiari is one of Rodgers’ closest friends. The 32-year-old was first-team All-Pro in 2020 but has played in just 13 games over the last three seasons due to injuries. The Jets

need to address their offensive line but will they do that with an aging player who has durability issues?

Jones is 29 and is coming off a season when he rushed for 656 yards on 142 carries and two touchdowns in 11 games. The Jets could use a running back to play behind Breece Hall. Jones has rushed for 1,000 yards in three of his seven seasons. He rushed for 1,121 yards and two touchdowns in 2022.

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