NFL Insider reveals Jets' unsuccessful attempt at retaining Spencer Shrader before being poached by Chiefs to fill in for Harrison Butker
The Kansas City Chiefs have a new kicker. The team announced on Thursday that they signed Spencer Shrader from the New York Jets' practice squad, as kicker Harrison Butker has been placed into the injured reserve with a knee injury. As a result, Butker will be out for at least four games.
Shrader spent just two weeks with the New York Jets. He was an undrafted free agent pickup by the Indianapolis Colts after the 2024 NFL draft and spent the offseason with the team, starting the season on their practice squad and even kicking in the first game of the season. He also played for the Jets during a game in November and scored both of his kicks.
And that's where it gets interesting. The Jets currently don't have a kicker on the 53-man roster, with Greg Zuerlein out of the picture with an injury. Shrader, who was playing for the team, was never added to the 53-man roster. So the Chiefs had the option to poach him.
According to insider Rich Cimini, the franchise tried to keep him on the team by offering a place on the 53-man active roster. But with Kansas City's proposal on his hands, he opted to become Patrick Mahomes' teammate.
What happened to Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker?
The Kansas City Chiefs' kicker is said to have suffered a left knee injury that could keep him out for three to four weeks. He has made 90% of his kicks in 2024 (18-of-20) and also missed just one extra point out of 22 tries.
Apart from three games in the 2022 season, he has no history of serious injuries and this is the first time that he'll miss extended game time. He's been one of the most consistent kickers in the league, hitting 94.3% of his kicks alone.
Before the start of the season, he signed a four-year, $25.6 million with the team, making him the highest-paid kicker in the league.
Former NFL punter Drew Butler noted on X/Twitter how he collapsed on his left knee during the follow through mechanics in his kicks during the season and how this could lead to the injury later announced on Thursday: