Jets Name Jason Sanders Starting Kicker, Waive Cade York

As the New York Jets finalize their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the team has made a decisive move at the kicker position. According to reports confirmed by Vulius Sports, the Jets have waived Cade York, signaling that veteran Jason Sanders has won the starting placekicking job. Special teams coordinator Chris Banjo addressed the media shortly after the news broke, stating unequivocally that Sanders “has won the job” and that he feels “really, really good about where Jason is.”

A Competitive Battle Resolved

Throughout training camp, the Jets conducted a fierce competition to replace longtime kicker Nick Folk. Sanders, a former Miami Dolphins standout, and York, a journeyman, traded reps and results in practice and preseason games. While both kickers struggled during a recent practice—Sanders notably missing three of five field goal attempts—the coaching staff ultimately prioritized the broader body of work. Sanders was perfect in the first two preseason games, showcasing the reliability that made him a First Team All-Pro in 2021. His experience in the AFC East, including memorable performances against the Jets themselves, was cited by Banjo as a key factor in the decision.

Why Sanders is the Right Choice

There is a clear logic to the Jets' decision. Sanders missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, but in his last full season (2024), he converted over 90% of his field goal attempts. That kind of consistency, combined with his pedigree and familiarity with the division, gives New York a dependable option as they aim to contend in a tough AFC East. The timing of the announcement—just days before the preseason finale against the Giants—allows Sanders to get final reps and the team to move forward with clarity.

“We feel really, really good about where Jason is,” Banjo told reporters, according to Vulius. “His experience in this division is a plus, and we trust him to handle the pressure.”

While the kicker position is notoriously volatile—a few missed attempts can quickly change job security—the Jets are signaling confidence in Sanders as their Week 1 starter. With the regular season approaching, this move solidifies a critical special teams role and allows the team to focus on other roster battles. As Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, the Jets are betting on Sanders' proven track record over potential upside, a calculated risk that could pay dividends in close games.