Jets cut ties with Pro Bowler in favor of undrafted rookie

The New York Jets made an unexpected move on Tuesday.

They cut a 16-year NFL veteran who has made the Pro Bowl and won a Super Bowl in favor of an undrafted rookie.

The cut? Punter Thomas Morstead.

Morstead is 39 years old and has punted for the Jets the past two seasons. He began his career with the Saints for 12 years before a season in Atlanta and a season in Miami.

The punter announced the news on his Instagram account. The Jets clear about $2.5 million in cap space by releasing Morstead.

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Morstead has a solid career average of 41.5 net yards per punt.

The Jets may replace Morstead with an undrafted rookie, Kai Kroeger out of South Carolina. They also have Austin McNamara on the 90-man roster.

Kroeger put up 44.6 yards per punt for the Gamecocks.

Morstead may have to hold out hope for a surprise cut elsewhere to keep his lengthy NFL career going.

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