The New England Patriots made a decisive move this offseason by cutting ties with kicker Chad Ryland after just one year with the organization. Drafted with high hopes as the team’s kicker of the future, Ryland's tenure with the Patriots was short-lived, marked by performance struggles that ultimately led to his exit.
Struggles During Rookie Season
Ryland's rookie season was full of ups and downs. He did lead the team in scoring, accumulating 72 points, but his overall performance left much to be desired. Ryland converted just 16 out of 25 field goal attempts, resulting in a 64% success rate—placing him last in the NFL for field goal percentage. Particularly troubling was his performance from long range; he hit only 45.5% of his kicks from beyond 45 yards, making just 5 of 11 attempts.
The Arrival of Competition
The Patriots' decision to bring in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp added immediate pressure on Ryland. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, quickly demonstrated his superior kicking abilities. 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 performance during camp was even more compelling when considering longer field goals. He converted eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, while Ryland managed to make only three out of seven attempts from the same distance.
Slye's Extensive Experience
Joey Slye's extensive NFL journey began with the Carolina Panthers, where he spent his first two seasons. His career has been somewhat itinerant; in 2021 alone, Slye played for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. During his two-and-a-half seasons with Washington, he showed flashes of reliability, which was enough to catch the Patriots' attention.
Slye joins the Patriots as his sixth team in as many years, eager to solidify his place and bring stability to New England’s special teams unit.
Impact on the Patriots
The Patriots' move to release Ryland and sign Slye underscores the immediate need for consistency in their kicking game as the NFL season approaches. Ryland, noted as the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick, exits with a sense of unfinished potential. "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year," reported ESPN.com, capturing the harsh reality of professional sports where performance statistics dictate career longevity.
All eyes will be on Joey Slye as he aims to carry his strong training camp momentum into the regular season. His ability to perform under regular-season pressures will be crucial for a Patriots team looking to stabilize its kicking game after a turbulent year.
For Chad Ryland, the journey doesn’t end but only takes a pause. His single season with the Patriots, though challenging, provides him with invaluable experience that could become the foundation for future success, either with another NFL team or in a different role within professional sports.
As the Patriots prepare for the upcoming season, the decision to invest in a seasoned kicker like Slye reflects the organization’s commitment to immediate improvement and consistency. Whether Slye can deliver when it counts will be a pivotal storyline to watch as the season unfolds.