Over the coming months, we're diving deep into the New York Jets' free agency moves, and today, we're focusing on kicker Cade York.
At 25 years old, York stands at 6’1” and weighs 206 pounds. Drafted in the fourth round out of LSU in 2022, he had a rocky start with the Browns and has since bounced around, playing just six games over three seasons. The Jets are now his seventh NFL team.
Background
York's journey began as a two-star recruit who carved out a starting role at LSU. Despite a shaky start, he finished his freshman year strong with 21 field goals and played a key role in LSU's national championship win. By his sophomore year, York was an all-SEC first-teamer, highlighted by a clutch game-winner against Florida.
In his junior year, he maintained his form, earning second-team all-SEC honors before declaring for the NFL draft. The Browns picked him in the fourth round, and he quickly made an impact with a 58-yard game-winner. However, inconsistency plagued him, and he missed 10 kicks that season.
Despite expectations to retain his role in 2023, a poor preseason saw him cut. He spent time with the Giants and Titans but didn't play that year.
In 2024, after a brief return to the Browns, he landed with the Commanders but was released after missing two field goals in his debut. A stint with the Bengals followed, where he showed promise with a 59-yarder but failed to secure a long-term spot after missing a potential game-winner.
York didn't kick in 2025, spending brief time on the Saints’ practice squad. The Jets signed him early in free agency after Nick Folk's departure, seizing an opportunity to add depth.
Analysis
Measurables/Athleticism
Leg Strength: York boasts a strong leg, having nailed multiple 55-plus yarders, including a 59-yarder with the Bengals. His confidence is evident, as seen when he expressed frustration over not attempting a 67-yarder with the Browns.
He's even been filmed making a 70-yarder in practice. At LSU, he made 15 field goals from 50-plus yards and is 5-for-9 from that range in the NFL.
Accuracy: York was accurate at LSU, hitting 82% of his field goals and 118 consecutive extra points. In the NFL, his rookie season saw a 75% success rate, but recent preseason struggles have been evident. In his last regular season stint, he improved, making 9 of 11 attempts.
Clutch Performance: York shined in college with a 57-yard game-winner against Florida. He replicated this early in his NFL career with a 58-yarder against the Panthers. However, he's had mixed results since, missing some crucial kicks, including a late-game extra point against the Jets that proved costly.
Tackling: While not a major factor in kick coverage, York has made a few tackles.
Intangibles/Miscellaneous: York has consistently handled kickoffs, achieving a 63% touchback rate. While capable of punting, he hasn't done so in college or the NFL.
Known as a hard-worker and perfectionist, York has sometimes struggled with overconfidence, as evidenced by a social media post during a preseason game where he later missed two kicks. Injuries have also been a factor, with a lower leg injury in college and a quad injury in 2023.
Conclusion
York's signing has raised eyebrows, given his past struggles. However, it's likely a low-risk, minimum-level deal with nothing guaranteed.
The Jets are banking on his potential, and with more experience than Lenny Krieg, he has a shot at the starting role. If York can find his rhythm, the Jets might have a valuable asset.
If not, they have flexibility to explore other options. It's a gamble with little downside, and the Jets hope it pays off.