[The Green Titan]

Kicker Mike Nugent declines offer from New York Jets, will test free-agent market

by Dave Hutchinson/The Star-Ledger Wednesday February 25, 2009, 1:00 AM



Mike Nugent says he feels like it might be time to move on from the Jets.
Kicker Mike Nugent has declined an offer from the Jets to return and will test the free-agent market, The Star-Ledger has learned.
Nugent suffered a strained right quadriceps in the 2008 season opener against the Miami Dolphins and was replaced by veteran Jay Feely for the rest of the season. Nugent was in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent.

The Jets had been facing a tough decision on whether to keep Nugent or Feely, and probably couldn't go wrong with either one. Now Nugent has made the decision for them.
"The Jets have been really cool about the situation and gave me time to decide whether to stay," Nugent told The Star-Ledger in response to an e-mail Tuesday. "They approached us last week to re-sign, and also called again this week, and gave us a chance to talk about making a decision.
"I have so much respect for the organization and my teammates, but I feel it might be time for me to move on. (General manager) Mike (Tannenbaum), (director of football operations) Ari (Nissim) and the coaches have been incredibly understanding of my decision process and I am really grateful to them."

Feely, who is also an unrestricted free agent, is expected to sign a two- or three-year deal to replace Nugent. Last season, Feely, an eight-year veteran and former Giant, converted 24 of 28 attempts, including his last 14 in a row.

[Jets337]

I almost forgot Mike Nugent was on the team. Mediocre kickers, although we wasted a high pick on him, are a dime a dozen.

[Jetschris]

I trust Feely's kicking more than Nugent. In the Seattle game, at the end of last season, Mangini changed his mind from a FG to a punt due to a False Start penalty(crumbled under pressure). Mangini didn't even consult Feely to see how confident Feely was about the FG. It was obvious from Feely's antics on the sideline, he was clearly upset because he was sure he could make the kick at a key time in the Jets season. Mangini cost us yet another 3 points we desperately needed to make the playoffs.

That drive and desire to play and win is the reason I would choose Feely over Nugent. He definitely was not worth the 'statement Herman Edwards was attempting to make', wasting a first round draft pick on the rookie kicker.

[jetsknicks1]

Let him go, he's just a kicker. Feely will do fine

[SonnyWerblin]

Originally Posted by Jetschris

I trust Feely's kicking more than Nugent. In the Seattle game, at the end of last season, Mangini changed his mind from a FG to a punt due to a False Start penalty(crumbled under pressure). Mangini didn't even consult Feely to see how confident Feely was about the FG. It was obvious from Feely's antics on the sideline, he was clearly upset because he was sure he could make the kick at a key time in the Jets season. Mangini cost us yet another 3 points we desperately needed to make the playoffs.

That drive and desire to play and win is the reason I would choose Feely over Nugent. He definitely was not worth the 'statement Herman Edwards was attempting to make', wasting a first round draft pick on the rookie kicker.

If Mangenius let Feely kick that FG, we would have only lost 13-6. The team stopped playing for him as I'm sure you guys have discussed endlessly. As far as Edwards' quote, wasn't Nugent a 2nd rounder. By the way, it's a shame he didn't live up to expectations. Honestly he was one of the most accurate college kickers I ever saw.

[Jets337]

I think you are right. I believe we traded out of the first round that year, and we took him high in the 2nd round.

[The Green Titan]

It was nice of the Jets to give him the time to think about it, and I think the entire process of him entering free agency on Friday has been a positive on both sides. I hope he does well where ever he goes and I feel okay with Feely also.

[CFUJetFan]

Hey Nooge! Don't let the door hit you on the way out. LOL Serious this guy was not worth the high draft pick we got him for. He will never be a M.Stover or A.Vinateri. From what I remember this guy M.Nugent missed all the big kicks and always choked under preasure.

I'm happy with J.Feely being our kicker. He is much more reliable then overated Nugent. Feely shows passion and the will to win unlike Nooge. Last year's game against the Seahawks was a perfect example. Feely would have made that kick no problem.

I'm so glad Mangini is gone. : )

[Jetschris]

Originally Posted by SonnyWerblin

If Mangenius let Feely kick that FG, we would have only lost 13-6. The team stopped playing for him as I'm sure you guys have discussed endlessly. As far as Edwards' quote, wasn't Nugent a 2nd rounder. By the way, it's a shame he didn't live up to expectations. Honestly he was one of the most accurate college kickers I ever saw.

It was just another in a litany of mistakes by Mangini, and another 3 points we didn't get. It wasn't the only season changer. And you are right it was our first pick that year. I agree, he's an accurate kicker, I just trust Feely more. If you have to pick between two, you really can't ask for two better choices.

[SonnyWerblin]

[quote=Jetschris;18138]It was just another in a litany of mistakes by Mangini, and another 3 points we didn't get. It wasn't the only season changer. And you are right it was our first pick that year. I agree, he's an accurate kicker, I just trust Feely more. If you have to pick between two, you really can't ask for two better choices.[/QUOTEAt this point
I trust Feely more also at this point in time. Nugent I think lost his confidence and his kicking suffered. I watched him in college and a bad miss for him was wide by about 2 feet from 47 yards (you get my point)
He's a good guy . Probably will become a very reliable kicker for someone else.