Jets waive K Blake Grupe, name Jason Sanders the permanent kicker
New York jettisoned Blake Grupe — who never kicked for the team — and committed to Jason Sanders as its placekicker, ending a stretch of roster churn at the position
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The Jets have settled their unsettled situation at kicker, waiving Blake Grupe and making Jason Sanders the permanent replacement for the job.
Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate): The #Jets are waiving K Blake Grupe, and making Jason Sanders the permanent kicker. Grupe never kicked for the Jets. The 27-year-old was 11/11 on FGs, including a long of 60 yards, and 10/10 on XPs last season after arriving in Indianapolis.
Grupe never actually kicked for New York — he arrived off waivers after Indianapolis cut him and was inactive for all three of his games on the roster. The 27-year-old went 11-for-11 on field goals, including a long of 60 yards, and 10-for-10 on extra points last season in Indianapolis, a stretch the Jets clearly valued even as they never put him on the field.
Sanders, by contrast, has been the workhorse. A veteran with AFC East experience, he handled New York's kicking through the early season — including a 7-for-8 day in a preseason competition — and has taken over on a permanent basis now that the club has moved on from Grupe. Special teams coordinator Chris Banjo has repeatedly praised Sanders' grit and resilience, citing a bounce-back after an early miss.
The decision brings a measure of stability after the position was a revolving door in the preseason. With Sanders locked in, the Jets can move on from the carousel and focus on the Week 4 matchup against Chicago, where consistency on field goals and extra points could prove decisive.