When a team like the New England Patriots moves on from a kicker they once saw as their future, it's bound to raise eyebrows. Chad Ryland, the kicker selected by the Patriots in the NFL Draft, was expected to be a long-term solution. However, after just one year with the team, the Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland, signaling a significant shift in their approach to special teams.
The Rookie Season
During his rookie season, Ryland led the Patriots in scoring, amassing 72 points. Despite this, his performance was fraught with inconsistency. Ryland managed to hit only 64% of his field goal attempts, converting 16 out of 25. This put him last among NFL kickers in terms of field goal percentage. Particularly troubling was his performance on long-distance kicks; from beyond 45 yards, Ryland made just 45.5% of his attempts, successfully converting only 5 of 11.
The Veteran Challenger
Seeing the need for more reliability, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who comes with six years of NFL experience, quickly emerged as a strong competitor for Ryland. Slye's accuracy in camp was a stark contrast to Ryland's struggles. According to 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, "Slye outkicked Ryland in camp by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to just 75.9% for Ryland." This was a decisive factor in the Patriots' decision-making process.
Camp Performances
Beyond overall accuracy, Slye demonstrated his prowess in long-distance kicking during camp. He converted eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards — a critical area that highlighted his advantage over Ryland. In comparison, Ryland hit just three of seven attempts from the same range, further cementing the coaching staff's decision to go with the more seasoned kicker.
Slye's Journey
Joey Slye's path to New England has been a winding one. He spent his first two years in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers before becoming somewhat of a journeyman in 2021, playing for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders all in one year. Slye's tenure with Washington spanned two-and-a-half seasons until the Commanders decided to move on from him in free agency.
Now, as a member of the Patriots — the sixth team he has joined in his six-year career — Slye has the opportunity to prove his worth on one of the league's most scrutinized special teams units.
Looking Forward
For Ryland, being the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick adds an unfortunate footnote to his short-lived tenure with the Patriots. His release after only one season indicates the high standards and low tolerance for inconsistency within the organization.
As the NFL season fast approaches, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Joey Slye can carry his training camp momentum into the regular season. The pressure will be immense, but Slye's recent performances suggest he is up for the challenge. For the Patriots, consistency and reliability in field goal kicking will be paramount, and they hope Slye is the man to provide it.