Chad Ryland's Rocky Journey with the Patriots Ends
The New England Patriots had high hopes when they selected Chad Ryland as their kicker of the future. However, after just one challenging season, the organization has decided to move on.
Ryland's rookie season was a mixed bag. While he led the team in scoring with 72 points, his overall performance left much to be desired. Throughout the season, Ryland struggled to find consistency, converting only 64% of his field goal attempts, making just 16 out of 25. This lackluster performance placed him at the bottom of the NFL's field goal percentage rankings.
One key area of concern was Ryland's performance on longer kicks. He managed to convert just 45.5% of his attempts from beyond 45 yards, hitting only 5 out of 11 tries. This inconsistency was a considerable setback for a team that often relies on clutch field goals in tight games.
Recognizing the need for improvement, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who boasts six years of NFL experience, immediately set out to prove his worth. During camp, he demonstrated a level of consistency that outshone Ryland's performance. In camp, Slye hit nearly 80% of his kicks compared to just 75.9% for Ryland, as noted by 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston.
Slye's impressive accuracy extended to long-range kicks as well, where he converted eight out of nine attempts between 50 and 59 yards. In contrast, Ryland struggled, making only three of his seven attempts from that same range during camp.
Slye's NFL journey has been a winding road. He spent his first two years with the Carolina Panthers before making appearances for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders all in 2021. Slye's tenure in Washington spanned two-and-a-half seasons until the Commanders decided to let him walk in free agency. Now, the Patriots mark the sixth team Slye has joined in his six-year career.
Bill Belichick's decision to draft Ryland as his final kicker now heads into the annals of Patriots history with a sliver of what-ifs attached. ESPN.com succinctly reported, "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year."
As the NFL season fast approaches, attention turns to the Patriots' special teams. Slye's strong showing in training camp has earned him the starting kicker position, but now the real challenge begins: translating his practice performance into game-day success. If he can carry his training camp momentum into the regular season, Slye could provide the stability that the Patriots have been seeking.
Indeed, the kicker turnover and the rapid decision to move on from Ryland underscore the business's ruthless nature. Yet, it’s also a testament to the importance of finding the right fit — a kicker who can deliver when it matters most.
All eyes will now be on Slye and the Patriots’ special teams. In a sport where a single kick can define the outcome of an entire season, New England hopes they’ve found the right boot to lead them forward.