Jets re-signing K Greg Zuerlein, AP source says. New York also adds CB Isaiah Oliver

Mon, Mar 11, 2024
NFL News (AP)

The New York Jets are re-signing kicker Greg Zuerlein to a two-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Monday.

The contract was agreed upon before the NFL's legal tampering period of free agency began, the person told the AP on condition of anonymity because the Jets hadn't announced the move. ESPN and NFL Network reported the deal is worth $8.4 million.

The Jets also announced they signed former 49ers and Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver.

After instability for several years at the kicker position, the Jets have gotten consistency from the 36-year-old Zuerlein in his two seasons. He was 35 of 38 on field goal attempts last season, including 5 of 6 from 50 yards or more.

Zuerlein set the Jets' franchise record with 26 consecutive field goals made and tied for the league lead with four tying or winning kicks. He spent his first eight seasons with the Rams before kicking for the Cowboys for two years. Zuerlein has converted 83.1% of his field goal attempts in his career.

His return helps stabilize a special teams unit that was among the best in the league last season. Punter Thomas Morstead is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent, but he could also return after having a standout season.

Browns agree to re-sign defensive linemen Za'Darius Smith and Maurice Hurst, AP sources say

Giants acquiring star rusher Brian Burns from the Panthers, AP source says

Lions acquire CB Carlton Davis and agree to $20M, 3-year deal with G Graham Glasgow, AP source says

The move to bring back Zuerlein comes on a day when New York lost arguably its most notable free agent when edge rusher Bryce Huff agreed to a three-year deal for $51 million with Philadelphia, according to another person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because free agents can't officially sign with new teams until Wednesday.

Oliver brings depth to the Jets' defensive backfield behind fellow slot cornerback Michael Carter II.

A second-round pick by Atlanta out of Colorado in 2018, Oliver played under Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2020 when Ulbrich was the Falcons' D-coordinator and linebackers coach.

Oliver spent his first five seasons in Atlanta before signing last offseason with San Francisco, where he made six starts and played special teams.

In six seasons, Oliver has three interceptions, 36 passes defensed, two sacks, nine quarterback hits and two fumble recoveries.

___

AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

DENNIS WASZAK Jr. Dennis is a pro football writer who covers the Jets and NFL "