Earlier in the week, the Jets claimed kicker Blake Gruppe off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts. Veteran kicker Jason Sanders was released and subsequently signed to the practice squad.
Per Ian Rapoport, the Jets are continuing to investigate answers at the position.
Free agent kicker Joshua Karty, who has kicked the last two seasons for the #Rams, is working out for the #Jets today. pic.twitter.com/Zo10rdDjW4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2026
During his collegiate career at Stanford, Karty was one of the best kickers in America and was twice selected as a First Team All American. This led to him become the rare kicker who was actually drafted. The Rams selected him in the sixth round in 2024.
Karty had a solid rookie season but struggled in 2025, connecting on only 10 of 15 attempts. This led the Rams to replace him with Harrison Mevis (who spent training camp with the Jets in 2025). Karty signed with the Cardinals before being released in June.
A week ago special teams coach Chris Banjo declared that the team’s kicking competition was over. Jason Sanders had won the job. Now just one week later, the Jets have a different kicker on the roster and are actively looking at alternatives. It seems possible that this team’s opening day kicker still isn’t on the roster.