Ravens: 3 teams that could trade for Jake Verity
By Kristen Wong
2. The Ravens could trade Jake Verity to the New York Jets
The Jets have had a rollercoaster of a kicker competition this offseason, and the ride is almost over. They’ve currently selected Matt Ammendola as the kicker because, well, after releasing Chris Naggar and Sam Ficken, Ammendola is literally the last kicker standing.
The formerly undrafted Oklahoma State product was signed by the Carolina Panthers this offseason before getting cut in May.
Ammendola posted a 76.9 field goal completion percentage and 98 extra point completion percentage in his college career, ranking in the top five in his school’s history for multiple categories including points scored, field goals made, and field goals attempted.
Ammendola bested rival Naggar in a Green & White scrimmage in early August and fared well in preseason so far, going 3-for-3 on field-goal attempts against Green Bay and draining a 31-yard field goal attempt against the Eagles.
Despite all the good things we’ve said about Ammendola so far, he hasn’t proved he deserves the kicker job. When teams start to make final cuts and more players spring free, Ammendola will face his toughest competition yet.
We think Verity would not only give him a run for the position but win it, too. Verity posted even better numbers in college and has the added bonus of having worked with Ravens’ special teams coach Randy Brown, who has groomed some of the best kickers in the league.
As the Jets continue to solidify spots on their roster, they should be monitoring the market for a kicker who can outperform Ammendola and who also provides long-term stability and value.
Verity fits the bill, and it just takes one call to Baltimore to make it happen.