When Chad Ryland was selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft, it appeared he would be the team's kicker of the future. However, after just one year with the organization, the Patriots have opted to part ways with the young kicker.
During his rookie season, Ryland led the Patriots in scoring, accumulating 72 points. Despite this, his performance on the field left much to be desired. Ryland hit only 64% of his field goals, converting just 16 out of 25 attempts, making him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. His struggles were particularly evident from beyond 45 yards, where he managed to make just 45.5% of his kicks, successfully converting 5 of 11 attempts.
New Direction for the Patriots
Recognizing the need for improvement in their kicking game, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, with six years of NFL experience under his belt, quickly showcased why he deserved the spot. In fact, it became apparent during camp that Slye was a more reliable option. 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."
Slye's consistency was particularly notable on long-distance kicks. During camp, he converted eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards—a stark contrast to Ryland, who managed to hit just three out of seven attempts from that range.
Joey Slye's NFL Journey
Slye began his career with the Carolina Panthers, spending his first two years there. His journey through the league has been anything but steady; in 2021 alone, he played for three different teams—the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure with the Commanders spanned two-and-a-half seasons until they decided to let him walk in free agency. Now, joining the Patriots marks his sixth team in his six-year NFL career.
The decision to bring Slye into the fold reflects the Patriots' desire for a dependable and experienced presence in their special teams unit. With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Slye can carry his training camp momentum into the regular season.
A Farewell to Bill Belichick's Last Kicker Draft Pick
Ryland's departure also marks a significant moment in the career of Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick. Chad Ryland is the final kicker drafted by Belichick, adding a layer of finality to his brief and challenging tenure with the team. As the Patriots look forward to a new season with a revitalized special teams unit, Ryland will need to seek opportunities elsewhere to rebuild his career.
The Patriots' decision to cut ties with Ryland after just one year underscores the unforgiving nature of professional sports, where performance is paramount and the competition is relentless. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Joey Slye can rise to the occasion and provide the stability that the team so desperately seeks in their kicking game.