Rodgers Wants Jets To Re-Sign Special Teams 'Weapons'
New York Jets' kicker Greg Zuerlein and punter Thomas Morstead were amongst the NFL's best in 2023 according to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
"We have, last year, an incredible kicker and punter. Both older guys, which I love," said Rodgers during an appearance on the Keep Hammering Collective podcast with Cameron Hanes.
Both are eligible to hit the open free agent market this week unless the Jets act first. In a unique situation, Morstead cannot re-sign until the start of the new league year (March 13) due to playing on a "veteran salary benefit" last year.
Morstead, who turned 38 years old on March 8, hinted at returning in an exclusive early-February interview with Jets Country.
"I had a great exit interview with the team. I know they want me back and I’d be excited to be back," said Morstead.
By the sound of his recent comments, it's clear that Rodgers would like the two grizzled veterans back with the team in 2024.
"Thomas Morstead was our punter. He had a phenomenal season. He's in his late 30s but takes care of himself incredibly well. [Morstead] was just a weapon for us — with hang time, with inside the 20 punts, inside the 10 punts. They were like game-changing plays where he had multiple inside the 5 in multiple games," said Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP.
Morstead set the franchise records for highest gross punting average (48.8) and net punting average (41.8) last year. He was the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after thrice pinning the Giants inside their own 5-yard line during a 13-10 overtime victory on October 29.
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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).
"Greg Zuerlein, our kicker, had a phenomenal year. 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," said Rodgers.
Zuerlein posted a 5-of-6 clip on 50+ yard field goal attempts, including a 54-yard game-winner against Washington on December 24.
"Those are weapons. I'd like to see those guys back," said Rodgers.
