Jets audition Justin Tucker and two other kickers before Week 1

The New York Jets are continuing to search for a reliable kicker ahead of the regular season, hosting tryouts for three options at their facility. According to reports, Justin Tucker led the workouts alongside Michael Badgley and Josh Karty, while the team is also evaluating Blake Grupe, who was claimed off waivers earlier this week, as well as maintaining Jason Sanders on the practice squad. Tucker, an elite former Ravens kicker, returned to the free-agent market after being released in 2025 following a 10-game suspension under the NFL’s personal conduct policy; he has denied the underlying allegations. Badgley and Karty bring experience and recent production, but the Jets’ special teams role remains in flux after last season’s turnover. The Jets previously had Nick Folk, who converted 28 of 29 field goals in 2025, but they let him walk, and recent misses during the preseason have added pressure to stabilize the position. Separately, Karty’s workout reflects how quickly the Rams’ kicking situation changed in 2025, when they moved on from him after a midseason slump and roster additions reshaped the role.