Punter isn’t exempt from the Jets youth movement.
The team released 39-year-old Thomas Morstead on Tuesday in favor of signing undrafted rookie Kai Kroeger, who tried out for the Eagles and Texans over the past two weekends but remained a free agent.
“Had a great experience,” Morstead said in a video posted to Instagram from the practice field at Tulane, after he got the call from the Jets while training. “Disappointed to be moving on and disappointed how it went down, but it’s just the way it goes in this business.”
Morstead remains an effective punter and became a fan favorite over the past two seasons for his ability to pin opponents against their end zone and let the defense go to work.
But new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey have been rebuilding the roster around youth. Chris Banjo replaced Brant Boyer as special teams coordinator, too.
Kroeger averaged 44.6 yards per punt at South Carolina and was ranked as the No. 2 punter in The Post’s predraft position rankings compiled with input from NFL personnel.
Kroeger will compete against Austin McNamara, 24, who signed with the team in March but has never punted in a game. He was undrafted in 2024 and cut by the Bengals last August.
Morstead, a Super Bowl champion with the Saints, led the NFL in punts and yardage, and dropped 36-of-99 kicks inside the 20-yard line in 2023. He wasn’t used as frequently last season, but still averaged 47.2 yards per attempt.
It’s the end of Morstead’s second tour with the Jets. The first was in 2021, when he extended his career and the Jets were the only team interested at the time because of his age. Four years later, Morstead is back looking for work. He was a well-respected voice within a veteran locker room.
“Just wanted to say thank you to all the fans, all the coaches that I’ve worked with over the last few years,” Morstead said. “It’s been awesome. I really appreciate everybody that’s been a part of the journey.”
