Now that the offseason is over, it’s time to update you on former Jets players and how they’ve been faring with their current teams. Having looked at offensive and defensive players over the past few days, we’ll be concluding with a look at special teamers today.
As ever, this list is intended to be exhaustive, but if we missed anyone, let us know in the comments.
Kickers
Cairo Santos, Bears
Santos returns to the Bears for a sixth season. He made 11 of 13 kicks in preseason to retain the job, holding
off a challenge from Jonathan Kim.
Chase McLaughlin, Bucs
McLaughlin was a perfect 9-for-9 in preseason as he prepares for his third season as the Bucs placekicker.
Jason Myers, Seahawks
Myers is preparing for his seventh season with Seattle, who he joined after having been voted to the pro bowl with the Jets. He made nine of 10 kicks in preseason.
Spencer Shrader, Colts
The Chiefs opted not to retain Shrader but he entered the competition for the Colts’ placekicker role and made 12 of 13 kicks in preseason to win the job.
Riley Patterson, Dolphins
Patterson looks set to be Miami’s kicker for the first four games as Jason Sanders has been placed on injured reserve. He’ll be elevated from the practice squad for the time being.
Caden Davis, Bills
The undrafted rookie Davis was unable to earn a role in Buffalo and was not retained by the Bills.
Punters
Braden Mann, Eagles
Mann, who also kicks off for the Eagles, will return as their punter in 2025. He had a solid 51 yards gross average in preseason and also kicked an extra point.
Thomas Morstead, 49ers
Morstead reunited with Robert Saleh in San Francisco. He posted pedestrian numbers in preseason with a 43 yard gross and 38 net.
Kai Kroeger, Saints
The undrafted rookie Kroeger surprisingly won the Saints’ punter role after a solid preseason where he posted a 46 yard gross average and 42 yards net average.
Long Snappers
Zach Triner, Broncos/Seahawks
Thomas Hennessy has almost outlasted every player to sign with the Jets at the long snapper position but Triner was still with Denver and Seattle in preseason. He’s not with a team right now though, so likely won’t play this season unless a team has an injury crisis.
Return Specialists
Braxton Berrios, Dolphins
Berrios will be the starting punt returner in Houston. He returned three punts for 24 yards in preseason and two kickoffs for 45.
Kalif Raymond, Lions
Raymond is a key offensive player for the Lions now but is still expected to return punts for them.
Greg Dortch, Cardinals
Dortch will also return punts again this year although he’ll also hope to have a role on offense. He also returned a few kickoffs last year, getting more opportunities due to the new rules.
Brandon Codrington, Bills
Codrington will have a role again as the punt returner after having run back three for 20 yards in preseason. He also returned six kickoffs for 160 yards but there will be other Bills players in the mix to do that, including another ex-Jet in Ty Johnson.
Other Special Teams Contributors
Commanders linebacker Nick Bellore led the league in special teams tackles again last year, so he’ll have a key role in Washington.
Others who have been productive in the past include linebackers Claud Cherelus and Del’Shawn Phillips, who are with the Panthers and Chargers respectively.
Miami defensive back Elijah Campbell should contribute well again, with support to come from another ex-Jet in Ashtyn Davis.
Other key Jets special teams contributors in recent years include Brandin Echols, who is now in Pittsburgh and Jarrick Bernard-Converse, who was claimed by the Browns.
There are also some players on practice squads who are likely to be elevated for special teams duties at some point, including Buffalo linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo and New England defensive back Corey Ballentine.
We’ll be back to update you on how all these players are getting on during the bye week.
