Jets Choose Kicker For 2022 Season

New York is handing the starting kicker job to veteran Greg Zuerlein, releasing Eddy Piñeiro.

Max Goodman | Aug 23, 2022

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New York Jets

The Jets' kicking competition is over.

New York released Eddy Piñeiro on Tuesday, the team announced, leaving veteran Greg Zuerlein as the only kicker remaining on Gang Green's roster.

Along with Piñeiro, the Jets also released safety Elijah Riley, linebacker Kai Nacua as well as offensive linemen Isaiah Williams and Caleb Benenoch.

Zuerlein, 34, signed with the Jets in March. He's entering his 11th season in the NFL, the first eight of which were spent with the Rams. Over the last two years, Zuerlein has kicked in a Cowboys uniform, nailing 63 of his 76 field goal attempts (82.9 field goal percentage).

Eddy Pineiro didn't get a lot of game opps in preseason -- 2-for-2 on PATs, 1-for-1 on FGA (26 yds). Nearly flawless last season, too (9-for-10, 8-for-8).

Greg Zeurlein hasn't had many opps either -- 4-for-4 on PATs, 1-for-1 on FGA (44 yds) in the PS. Practice mattered. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 23, 2022

New York used three different kickers last year, settling on Piñeiro at the end of the season. Piñeiro, in his second season in the NFL, made all eight of his field goal attempts in 2021, missing one extra point out of 10 total attempts across five games.

By moving forward with Zuerlein, however, the Jets are counting on a proven commodity. With an improved offense that's poised to score more points this season, this team isn't taking any chances, rolling with the veteran.

In Monday's preseason game against the Falcons, a 24-16 victory, Zuerlein drilled a 44-yard kick. Piñeiro was a perfect 2-for-2 in extra points.

Zuerlien will have one more opportunity to find his rhythm before the regular season begins. New York closes out their slate of preseason games on Sunday against the Giants.

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Published Aug 23, 2022

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.