Last offseason, Zuerlein signed with the New York Jets, leaving the Dallas Cowboys. Zuerlein will need to increase his accuracy to be a reliable Fantasy starter, especially given that he is now part of a poorer offense and kicks in a more difficult environment. Since 2018, he hasn’t had a field goal percentage of higher than 82.9%, and he missed a career-high six extra points in 2018.
In Sunday’s preseason triumph over the Giants, 31-27, Zuerlein kicked a field goal from 49 yards and four extra points. At New York’s training camp, Zuerlein bested Eddy Pineiro in a kicking battle, and he displayed the same combination of precision and power that helped him win. In 2022, the Jets’ offense may rely heavily on the experienced kicker due to a dearth of proven red-zone scorers.
Adam Schefter of ESPN says that with the release of Eddy Pineiro on Tuesday, Zuerlein is the only kicker on the Jets’ roster. Zuerlein entered camp as the clear frontrunner and emerged as the victor.
Though his leg is still strong, he may never again see the same workload he had with the Rams and Cowboys. Second-year quarterback Zach Wilson, who will miss the start of the season after having meniscus surgery in mid-August, is one of many Jets whose value will depend on his development.
How many kicks has Greg Zuerlein missed?
This season, Zuerlein has missed 11 kicks, including six field goals and five extra points. It wouldn’t be surprising if the team got rid of the veteran kicker in the off-season.