Steve Weatherford to Jets: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

The New York Jets announced they have signed punter Steve Weatherford ahead of Sunday's Week 7 clash with division rival New England Patriots.

Adam Schefter of ESPN first provided word of the expected addition. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports it could simply be a one-game reunion between Weatherford and the Jets.

Ryan Quigley, New York's punter for the first five games, is dealing with a shin injury and is listed as questionable, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. 

Weatherford previously spent two years with the Jets, starting in 2009. He most recently played four seasons with the New York Giants before being released in early September.

The punter posted on Instagram about the news:

If Quigley does miss this week's game, and signing a second punter suggests he will, it's an audition opportunity for his 32-year-old replacement.

The Jets' punter currently ranks 28th in punting average (42.4 yards) and 31st in net punting (32.5 yards). Opponents are returning his punts 23.7 yards on average, which is five yards worse than any other qualified punter.

Weatherford looks like a potential upgrade on paper. He averaged 45.5 yards per punt last season with the Giants with a net of 38.6 yards.

So, while it may be viewed as a one-week signing right now, it wouldn't be a surprise if Weatherford ends up keeping the job if he puts together a strong showing this week.

Of course, the Jets would prefer if the punter didn't see the field at all while they battle the high-powered Patriots offense.