Jets Re-Sign, Give Big Raise to Kicker Greg Zuerlein
Greg Zuerlein is getting a raise. And Aaron Rodgers is halfway to getting his wish.
The New York Jets' veteran kicker will return to the team in 2024 after NFL Network reported Monday morning that he's agreed to a new two-year contract worth $8.4 million.
Rodgers last week went on a podcast and urged Jets' management to sign both Zuerlein and veteran punter Thomas Morstead.
Said Rodgers, "Those are weapons. I'd like to see those guys back."
The 36-year-old Zuerlein, who played the last two seasons with the Jets on back-to-back one-year deals, is the Jets' all-time single-season leader in field goals made (35) and field goal percentage (.921). He made five of six 50+-yard field goal last season, including a 54-yard game-winner to beat the Washington Commanders Dec. 24.
"Greg Zuerlein, our kicker, had a phenomenal year," Rodger said. "I think he only missed two kicks all year. He's just a weapon, and he can hit it from anywhere. He hit it from 60. Every kick[off] is a touchback for us."
Rodgers Wants Jets To Re-Sign Special Teams 'Weapons'
The Jets also want Morstead back, but he played the 2023 season under a "Veteran Salary Benefit" contract, meaning he can't officially sign a new contract until the commencement of free agency on Wednesday.