New Jets Kicker
Jets Claim Kicker Blake Grupe to Join Roster Competition Ahead of Week 1
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Key Points
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Blake Grupe closed his time with the Colts by going 21-for-21 on kicks, including a 60-yard field goal that set the franchise record for the longest made FG in a game as Indianapolis finished the season before moving on to New York.
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Grupe’s NFL journey includes a strong Saints tenure (approximately 45 games, 79.8% on FG attempts, long of 57 yards) before a 2025 move to the Colts; he then finished the Colts season 11-for-11 on FG attempts after joining Indianapolis.
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Grupe lost the Colts’ preseason kicking competition to Spencer Shrader, who later suffered a season-ending knee injury (ACL/MCL) in October, affecting the Colts’ assessment of Grupe during that saga.
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In addition to Grupe, the Jets added linebacker Trevin Wallace and signed linebacker Troy Reeder and defensive end Nate Lynn to the practice squad as part of Monday’s roster moves.
The New York Jets claimed kicker Blake Grupe off waivers from the Colts on Monday, setting up a competition with incumbent Jason Sanders before Week 1. Pro Football Rumors reported that Grupe lost a preseason battle to Spencer Shrader in Indianapolis but finished the Colts' season strong, going 21-for-21 on kicks including a 60-yard field goal that set the franchise record.
The move addresses an unstable kicking situation for New York after Nick Folk's departure. CBS Sports confirmed the Jets also claimed linebacker Trevin Wallace and released Sanders from the roster, though he may still compete for the job depending on preseason performance in the coming weeks.
Grupe's Strong Finish With Colts
After losing the Colts' preseason kicking competition to Spencer Shrader, Grupe proved his worth down the stretch. Pro Football Rumors reported he went 11-for-11 on field goals in five late-season games, capping a 21-for-21 performance on all kicks for Indianapolis. His 60-yard field goal set a Colts franchise record for longest made kick in a game.
Grupe's NFL journey shows mixed results overall. During his Saints tenure, he converted 79.8% of field goal attempts across roughly 45 games, with a long of 57 yards. The undrafted kicker now gets another chance to prove himself with the Jets after the Colts moved on from him.
Jets Address Inconsistent Kicking Performance
New York's kicking situation needed a fix after inconsistent play in the preseason. The Jets released Jason Sanders as part of Monday's roster moves, though Indianapolis Star confirmed he may remain available for competition. Adding Grupe gives the team a veteran option with recent game experience at the professional level.
Coach Aaron Glenn's team is weighing options at a position that has lacked stability. The Grupe-Sanders competition will likely determine the Jets' Week 1 starter, with the coaching staff needing a reliable kicker for the regular season ahead.
Roster Moves Beyond the Kicking Battle
The Jets made broader roster adjustments on Monday beyond the Grupe claim. New York Jets confirmed the team also acquired linebacker Trevin Wallace off waivers and released offensive lineman Kohl Levao. These moves reflect New York's effort to strengthen multiple positions heading into the regular season.
Additional practice squad signings included linebacker Troy Reeder and defensive end Nate Lynn, adding depth to the defense. The Jets are working to build a complete roster after the offseason transitions and preseason evaluations.
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