Jets Add Former Dolphins Kicker, Release Younghoe Koo After One Week

The New York Jets’ kicker battle continues to evolve during organized team activities (OTAs), with another roster shake-up taking place. After already moving on from Lenny Krieg and Will Ferrin earlier this offseason, the Jets have now parted ways with veteran kicker Younghoe Koo just seven days after signing him.

Koo joined the team on a one-year deal on May 28 and arrived with an impressive résumé, including a Pro Bowl selection and an NFL-leading 37 field goals made in 2020. However, his stint in New York was short-lived after struggling during OTA practices.

According to The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, the Jets have waived Koo and signed veteran kicker Jason Sanders. The move leaves Sanders and Cade York as the final two contenders competing for the starting job.

Jason Sanders Joins the Competition

Sanders brings significant NFL experience to New York. A former All-Pro, he spent his entire career with the Miami Dolphins before a hip injury sidelined him throughout the 2025 season. Miami released him in March, and after a brief, uneventful stop with the New York Giants, he now gets another opportunity with the Jets.

His arrival comes shortly after Koo’s disappointing showing during Tuesday’s OTA session, where he reportedly missed badly on field-goal attempts from approximately 45 and 53 yards. Those struggles likely played a major role in the Jets’ decision to make a change.

Sanders vs. York

The Jets now have a two-man competition between Sanders and York. While Sanders is new to the organization, York has yet to establish himself as the clear favorite despite spending several months with the team. Head coach Aaron Glenn appears determined to continue evaluating options before naming a starter.

Looking at their most recent NFL production, Sanders holds a notable edge. During the 2024 season, he converted 37 of 41 field-goal attempts (90.2%) and made 26 of 28 extra points (92.9%). York, meanwhile, made 9 of 13 field goals (69.2%) and converted 16 of 17 extra points (94.1%) across six games.

Long-range kicking also favors Sanders. He has connected on 74.6% of his career attempts from 40 yards or longer, compared to York’s 60.0% success rate on similar kicks.

Outlook for the Jets

The addition of Sanders gives the Jets a proven veteran with a history of reliable production. If he can return to the form he displayed before his injury, New York’s kicking situation could quickly stabilize.

Although some fans hoped Koo could rediscover the consistency that once made him one of the league’s top kickers, the Jets ultimately chose to move in a different direction. Attention now turns to the battle between Sanders and York as the team searches for its long-term answer at kicker heading into the season.