When Chad Ryland was selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft, the organization envisioned him as their kicker of the future. However, the Patriots have opted to cut ties with Ryland after just one year, a decision that reverberates through the team's special teams unit.
Rookie Season Struggles
During his rookie season, Ryland led the Patriots in scoring, managing 72 points. Despite this, his performance on field goals left much to be desired. Ryland converted 16 out of 25 attempts, hitting only 64% of his field goals, and he ranked last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. Long-distance kicks proved especially challenging. Ryland made just 45.5% of his attempts from beyond 45 yards, converting 5 of 11 attempts.
Training Camp Competition
With the Patriots seeking more reliability in their kicking game, the team brought in veteran Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, showcased why he deserved another shot in the league. Slye outkicked Ryland in camp by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to just 75.9% for Ryland, as noted by 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston.
Slye's performance from long range was particularly impressive. He converted eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, while Ryland managed just three of seven from the same distance. This stark contrast in performance during training camp proved to be a significant factor in the Patriots' decision-making process.
Slye's NFL Journey
Joey Slye's NFL journey has been anything but straightforward. He spent his first two years with the Carolina Panthers before embarking on a nomadic 2021 season, playing for three different teams: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure in Washington spanned two-and-a-half seasons until the Commanders decided to let him walk in free agency. Slye then found an opportunity with the Patriots, marking the sixth team in his six-year career.
The Belichick Decision
Chad Ryland holds a unique distinction as the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick. Despite the high expectations, Ryland's rookie season fell short of the Patriots' hopes. "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year," reported ESPN.com. This move signals a clear message: performance and consistency matter above all else in New England.
With the new NFL season fast approaching, 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 Patriots' organization and its fans will be hoping Slye's accuracy and experience provide the stability that eluded them last year.