The New England Patriots' Gamble: Chad Ryland Out, Joey Slye In
When Chad Ryland was selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft, the organization had high hopes for the young kicker. Billed as their kicker of the future, Ryland's tenure in New England has come to an abrupt end after just one season. Despite leading the Patriots in scoring with 72 points during his rookie year, his overall performance left much to be desired.
Ryland's rookie season was fraught with inconsistencies. He managed to convert only 64% of his field goals, making 16 out of 25 attempts. This statistic placed him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. Particularly troubling was his performance on long-distance kicks, hitting just 45.5% from beyond 45 yards with five successful attempts out of eleven. These struggles prompted the Patriots to explore other options as the new season approached.
Camp Competition
In an effort to bolster their special teams unit, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, with six years of NFL experience under his belt, quickly showcased his capabilities. 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 demonstrated his precision and power during camp, especially in the critical range of 50 to 59 yards. He converted eight of nine kicks in this range, a stark contrast to Ryland's three of seven. This performance disparity played a significant role in the Patriots' decision-making process.
Slye’s NFL Journey
Slye’s journey through the NFL has been a winding one. He started his career with the Carolina Panthers, spending his first two years with the team. In 2021, he played for three different teams: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His time in Washington spanned two-and-a-half seasons before the Commanders decided to let him go in free agency. Now, the Patriots mark the sixth team Slye has joined in his NFL career.
Belichick's Last Drafted Kicker
Ryland holds the somewhat dubious distinction of being the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick. Although his stint with the Patriots was short-lived, it serves as a reminder of the razor-thin margin for error in professional sports. The Patriots' decision to move on from Ryland after just one year underscores the unforgiving nature of the NFL, where performance is paramount and patience is often in short supply.
As the NFL season fast approaches, 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 pressure is on Slye to prove that he can be the reliable kicker New England desperately needs. Ryland, meanwhile, will have to look for opportunities elsewhere, hoping to refine his game and secure another chance in the NFL.