The New York Jets have claimed kicker Blake Grupe off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts, the team announced Monday. This move comes as the Jets have struggled to establish consistency at the kicking position throughout their summer competition.
Grupe was waived by the Colts after losing a kicking competition to Spencer Shrader. In the preseason for Indianapolis, Grupe made both of his extra-point attempts and converted two of four field goal attempts, with a long of 46 yards.
The Jets were actively seeking a new kicker following the departure of Nick Folk, who left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. Folk had been a reliable presence for the Jets in the previous season, converting 28 of 29 extra-point attempts with a long field goal of 58 yards.
This acquisition follows a preseason kicking competition between Jason Sanders and Cade York. Although the Jets cut York last week, Sanders' performance in Friday's preseason game against the Giants raised further concerns. Sanders missed an extra point and a field goal, leading to the team's decision to claim Grupe and their expectation to release Sanders.
Grupe has been in the league since 2023, previously playing for the New Orleans Saints from 2023 to 2025 before joining the Colts. Last year, he finished 29-for-37 on field goal attempts, including a 5-of-11 success rate on kicks from 40-plus yards. In his career, Grupe has made 86 of 105 field goal attempts, with a long of 60 yards, and has a 96-for-98 record on extra points.