If you needed any further evidence that the NY Jets organization has phoned it in on the 2024 season, look no further than the latest dilemma surrounding the team's kicker position.
The Jets have used three different kickers over the last three weeks, but their latest solution for the position, undrafted rookie Spencer Shrader, seemed to look the part in his team debut on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
Shrader was responsible for all six Jets points, connecting on both of his field-goal attempts, including one from 45 yards out. It was only the second kick from longer than 40 yards a Jets kicker had made this season.
The expectation was that Shrader would remain the Jets' kicker moving forward, but that won't be the case. That's not because the Jets decided to move on. Instead, a boneheaded oversight on the part of the front office led to Shrader being signed away by another team before his second game with the Jets.
The Kansas City Chiefs officially signed Shrader off the Jets' practice squad on Thursday following an injury to Harrison Butker. With Butker headed for injured reserve, Shrader will now be the kicker for the undefeated reigning Super Bowl champions for at least the next month.
The Jets elevated Shrader to the active roster ahead of their Week 10 game but failed to sign him to the 53-man roster after the game. The team had an open roster spot too, one they used to claim backup offensive lineman Connor McGovern off waivers.
The Jets reportedly offered Shrader a spot on their 53-man roster after the Chiefs came calling, but by that point, it was too late. The former Notre Dame standout made the relatively easy decision to join the best team in the NFL instead of remaining with the Jets.
Of course, the Jets could have signed their new starting kicker to the 53-man roster after the game, thus preventing other teams from being able to poach him. Given the Jets' struggles to find a reliable kicker this season, one would think that would be a top priority.
Given past history this means that Butker will be out for longer than expected but it won't matter as Shrader hits a 50 yard FG to beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl. [Reply]
Originally Posted by tk13:
Given past history this means that Butker will be out for longer than expected but it won't matter as Shrader hits a 50 yard FG to beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl.
I think I’d love to see the collective meltdown of NFL fans to see a second consecutive “rematch” of a Chiefs Super Bowl (with the same jersey colors, to boot).
I’d love Patrick to continue his string of Super Bowl passing touchdowns to non hall of famers (his last four have been to Toney, Skyy, MVS and Hardman) by throwing ones to Carson Steele and Peyton Hendershot. [Reply]
