Jets' Punter Patiently Waiting During Free Agency Frenzy
There is no legal negotiating period for punter Thomas Morstead.
Instead the 38-year-old grizzled veteran must wait until the new league year officially begins to sign a new contract, even if it is to stay with the New York Jets. It's an uncommon situation due to the fact that Morstead played for the Jets on a "veteran benefit deal" in 2023.
"It’s kind of unique, the fact I can’t sign a contract until free agency starts,” said Morstead, who spent his first 12 NFL seasons on the New Orleans Saints' roster, during an interview with Jets Country last month.
After 15 seasons as a pro, Morstead appears eager to officially declare his plans for 2024. He posted a noteworthy message on Twitter amidst the signings frenzy Tuesday evening.
"March 13 @ 4:01 EST….," said Morstead referring to the start of the new calendar.
At that time, Morstead will be able to sign with any NFL team but a return to New York seems highly likely. The Jets re-signed veteran placekicker Greg Zuerlein earlier this week, and there appears to have heavy mutual interest in doing the same with his holder.
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“My eyes are squarely on being back with the Jets. I’m very hopeful that that happens,” said Morstead in early February. “Hopefully, we have some more good times together, and, hopefully there are better times as well.”
Booting an NFL-high 99 punts for a league-leading 4,831 gross yards, Morstead set two Jets' single-season franchise record —gross punting average (48.8) and net punting average (41.8)— in 2023.
Jets' future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke highly of the effective specialist during a recent podcast appearance.
"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 the four-time NFL MVP.
