Jets Fan Favorite Returns as New Kicker

Jets to sign veteran kicker Nick Folk

A graduate from the University of Arizona, Nick Folk would be selected in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. His impact was felt immediately, as the new kicker broke the franchise record for most points in a season. However, Folk’s tenure would be short-lived as erratic performance in 2009 led to his release from Dallas. Afterwards, Folk ventured to the northeast and signed with the Jets in 2010. Folk would become a valuable asset to the Rex Ryan era. In October, Folk set the franchise record for longest field goal at 56 yards. However, Folk’s heroics were on full display in the Wild Card game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets punched their ticket to an AFC Divisional Game appearance thanks to Folk’s game-winning field goal with seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

While the Jets would regress after losing in the 2011 AFC Championship game, Nick Folk remained as efficient as ever. He secured the second-longest consecutive field goal streak with 23 in a row in 2013. However, in a salary-saving move, Folk was cut by New York in 2017. Upon his release, Folk is the Jets franchise leader in field goal percentage and second in both points scored and field goals made. After a short tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Folk would miss the 2018 season before signing with the New England Patriots in 2019. It wasn’t until 2021 that Folk regained form, leading the league in points with a career-high 150.

Just before the 2023 season, the Patriots would send Folk to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2025 7th-round pick. Folk’s tenure in Tennessee was a career renaissance. Between the 2023 and 2024 seasons combined, Folk missed only four total field goals. His field goal percentage of 96.7 and 95.5 has led the NFL the past two years.

Folk’s value to the Jets Special Teams

Adding an experienced kicker like Nick Folk will be a nice insurance policy for the Jets. While the rest of the team gets young, Aaron Glenn can feel confident about leaving the red zone with points if the offense stalls. In addition, Folk’s presence will be a valuable asset for both Mevis and McNamara. Both inexperienced kickers have the chance to pick Folk’s brain and learn from the 40-year-old. Even if Folk regresses this season, his impact as a mentor will be useful for Aaron Glenn’s staff. After bringing in a newfound focus for the franchise, the team can continue to build towards the future with these franchise legends of yesteryear here.