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New York Jets Shock with Signing of Undrafted Free Agent Holder from 2025 NFL Draft

Posted on May 14, 2025 - 9:02 am by

On May 13, 2025, the New York Jets sent shockwaves through the NFL by announcing the signing of Kai Kroeger, an undrafted free agent from the 2025 NFL Draft, as a free agent. The move was accompanied by a controversial decision to release veteran punter Thomas Morstead, a former Pro Bowler who had provided stability for the Jets over the past two seasons.

 

Kai Kroeger: From College Standout to NFL Opportunity

Kai Kroeger, 22, was one of the most decorated punters in the history of the University of South Carolina’s football program. Over five seasons (2020–2024) with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Kroeger left an indelible mark, averaging 47.8 yards per punt in his final season (2024), setting a program record and earning All-SEC and All-American honors. Beyond his role as a punter, Kroeger was a reliable holder for field goal attempts and gained attention for his creativity in fake punt plays, completing 7 of 10 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns during his college career.

Despite going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Kroeger received invitations to seven NFL rookie minicamps. His hard work paid off when the Jets signed him, placing their trust in the young talent to fill the shoes of a veteran like Morstead.

Thomas Morstead: End of an Era with the Jets

Thomas Morstead, 39, is one of the NFL’s premier punters with 16 years of experience. Over his two seasons with the Jets (2023–2024), he punted for nearly 8,000 yards across 34 games, averaging 48.8 yards per punt in 2023—a franchise record. Morstead was not only an elite punter but also a respected leader in the locker room, beloved by teammates and fans alike.

The Jets’ decision to release Morstead, who had one year left on a $5.1 million contract, stunned fans. The move saved the team approximately $2.55 million in cap space but raised questions about the experience of the new punting unit, now consisting solely of Kroeger and another undrafted free agent, Austin McNamara. Morstead expressed his disappointment on Instagram but thanked Jets fans, teammates, and coaches for their support.

Jets’ Restructuring Strategy

The signing of Kroeger and the release of Morstead are part of the Jets’ broader strategy to rejuvenate their roster under new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, who took over in January 2025. In addition to Morstead, the Jets parted ways with other veterans, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver Davante Adams, and linebacker C.J. Mosley, signaling a clear focus on building for the future.

However, entrusting the punting duties to two young, untested players like Kroeger and McNamara has sparked concern among some fans. Posts on X reflect a divide: some criticize the Jets for sacrificing Morstead’s reliability, while others support giving Kroeger, a highly touted prospect, a chance to shine.

Kroeger’s and the Jets’ Future

For Kroeger, this is a golden opportunity to prove himself in the NFL. His precise punting, experience as a holder, and playmaking ability in fake punts will be critical as he competes for a roster spot. He’ll need to replicate the consistency that saw him lead the SEC in punt yardage (2,675 yards in 2022) and pin 100 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line during his college career.

Meanwhile, the Jets face a challenging transition. Integrating Kroeger and McNamara into the special teams unit will test the coaching staff as the 2025 season approaches. Can Kroeger fill the void left by Morstead? The answer will unfold on the field.

Conclusion

The New York Jets’ decision to sign Kai Kroeger and release Thomas Morstead is a bold move, reflecting their ambition to rebuild and invest in youth. While controversial, it opens the door for a talented young player like Kroeger to make his mark. Jets fans will now turn their attention to upcoming training camps, where Kroeger and McNamara will compete to shape the future of the team’s special teams.