With John Harbaugh as head coach in 2026, it’s no surprise the New York Giants are making upgrades on special teams. Having an unreliable kicker plagued New York in years past. Fans are hopeful that it will not be an issue moving forward. Ahead of the upcoming season, one Giants kicker is proving he has what it takes to be the full-time starter.
On Monday, the New York Giants had their first day of minicamp. Rookie undrafted free agent Dominic Zvada was a perfect 8-for-8 on his field goal attempts. His competition, Ben Sauls, went just 4-8. Zvada has been impressive since he was signed by New York. If he continues to play well, Zvada could be the team’s starting kicker for years to come.
Is One Giants Kicker Pulling Ahead in the Race for the Starting Job?
New York Parts Ways with a Veteran Kicker?
On March 10, the Giants signed veteran kicker Jason Sanders to a one-year deal. The 30-year-old missed the entire 2025 season for the Miami Dolphins due to a hip injury. Many media members expected Sanders to be the Giants’ kicker in 2026. However, the team surprisingly released Sanders on June 2 to create a roster spot and sign Juju Smith-Schuster. In doing so, the team sent a clear message to the two remaining kickers left on the roster.
Zvada Looks Poised to be the Giants’ Kicker in 2026
Before he transferred to Michigan, Zvada spent the first two years of his collegiate career with Arkansas State. He made 94.4% of his field goal attempts as a freshman. His accuracy dipped during the 2023 season, making just 77.3% of his attempts as a sophomore. Ahead of his 2024 season, Zvada joined the Wolverines and had an incredible year. He was an impressive 21-for-22 (95.5%) on field-goal attempts in 2024 and helped Michigan win the National Championship.
For the 2025 season, Zvada noticeably struggled and was not the same player as the year prior. The 22-year-old made 68% of his field goal attempts in 2025. By far the lowest percentage of his collegiate career. Despite those struggles, it looks like Zvada may have found a home in the NFL. The undrafted free agent has been impressive to begin his time with the Giants.
Back on June 3, Giants beat reporter Jordan Raanan mentioned that Zvada “has to be heavy favorite” to win New York’s kicking competition. Since the team cut Sanders, Zvada looks poised to be the Giants’ kicker in 2026. However, the rookie still has a lot to prove if he wants the job. Who will be the starting kicker in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys?
Kicking Woes Have Been Front and Center for the Giants
In previous seasons, New York has struggled to have a reliable kicker. Graham Gano joined the Giants in 2020 and was playing at a Pro Bowl level through his first three seasons with New York. Unfortunately, injuries took a major toll on Gano from 2023 to 2025. Over the last three seasons, eight different Giants kickers have attempted at least one field goal. Despite a variety of kickers in 2025, the team still finished 11th overall in field goal percentage.
New York finished dead last in 2025 in extra point percentage. Luckily, Gano is no longer on the roster, and a new Giants kicker is ready to prove himself to the fanbase. Zvada had an off year with Michigan in 2025, but was lights out in 2024.
New York hopes the rookie can find that type of consistency again. During the team’s final open OTA practice, Zvada was 13-13 on field goal attempts. Additionally, he was eight for eight at Monday’s first minicamp. If he continues to be accurate and make kicks, Zvada will undoubtedly be the Giants’ kicker in 2026.
Main Photo Courtesy of Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
