Patriots Cut Ties with Rookie Kicker Chad Ryland
When Chad Ryland was selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft, there were high expectations that the young kicker would become the team's long-term solution. However, the Patriots have opted to end this partnership after just one year, signaling a shift in their special teams' strategy.
During his rookie season, Ryland amassed 72 points, leading the Patriots in scoring. Despite this achievement, his field goal percentage of 64% raised concerns. Ryland converted only 16 out of 25 attempts, placing him last in the NFL in terms of field goal accuracy. Kicking from beyond 45 yards was particularly challenging for Ryland, as he made just 45.5% of his attempts, hitting only 5 of 11.
In a bid to strengthen their kicking game, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, with six years of NFL experience, quickly proved to be a more reliable option. His performance in camp was notably superior, hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to 75.9% for Ryland. Slye demonstrated impressive consistency, converting eight of nine kicks from 50 to 59 yards.
Slye's NFL Journey
Joey Slye's path to the Patriots has been varied. He started his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers, spending two years with the team. In 2021, Slye played for three different franchises: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure with the Commanders lasted two-and-a-half seasons before he entered free agency.
Now, as he joins the Patriots, Slye becomes the sixth team he has played for in his six-year career. The decision to bring Slye into the fold comes as the Patriots hope his experience and recent camp performance will provide the stability they need at the kicker position.
The End of an Era for Ryland
Ryland's release is significant not just for the player but also for the franchise. He is the final kicker drafted by the legendary Bill Belichick, marking the end of an era. The move signals that the team is not willing to wait for Ryland to develop at the expense of immediate performance.
According to ESPN.com, the Patriots decided to "cut ties with Ryland after just one year." This decision underscores the high stakes and limited patience in the world of professional football. For Ryland, it represents a challenging chapter in what he hopes will be a long NFL career.
Looking Ahead
With the NFL season fast approaching, the spotlight is now on Joey Slye and the Patriots' special teams unit. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Slye can translate his training camp momentum into regular season success. The expectation is that Slye's veteran presence and proven track record will bring the much-needed stability to the Patriots' kicking game.
In the ultra-competitive landscape of professional football, every point counts, and the margin for error is slim. As the Patriots aim to bounce back from their recent struggles, securing a reliable kicker is a critical piece of the puzzle. All eyes will be on Slye to see if he can deliver when it matters most.