New England Patriots Cut Ties with Rookie Kicker Chad Ryland
The New England Patriots made a significant move recently by cutting ties with kicker Chad Ryland, who was initially perceived as the kicker of the future for the organization after being selected in the NFL Draft. The decision comes after Ryland's underwhelming performance throughout his rookie year and a tough training camp competition with veteran Joey Slye.
During his first and only season with the Patriots, Ryland led the team in scoring with 72 points. However, his overall performance left much to be desired, converting just 64% of his field goals, making 16 out of 25 attempts. This percentage placed him last in the NFL among kickers, a glaring deficiency for any team aspiring to compete at the highest level.
Adding to the concerns, Ryland managed to make only 45.5% of his kicks from beyond 45 yards, successfully converting just 5 of 11 attempts. This inconsistency from long distance added pressure on the Patriots’ special teams unit, prompting them to look for alternatives.
The Patriots brought in Joey Slye, a six-year NFL veteran, during training camp to provide some much-needed competition. Slye, with his vast experience, immediately made an impact. After spending his first two years with the Carolina Panthers and then playing for three different teams in 2021 (Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders), Slye showcased his reliability and strong leg. During camp, he outkicked Ryland by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to just 75.9% for Ryland.
Notably, Slye demonstrated his ability to convert long-range kicks, making eight out of nine attempts between 50 and 59 yards. In contrast, Ryland managed to convert just three out of seven kicks from this range, highlighting a critical area where improvement was necessary but not achieved.
Slye's impressive performance during camp ultimately convinced the Patriots to make the difficult decision to release Ryland. "Slye outkicked Ryland in camp by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to just 75.9% for Ryland," reported 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston.
Ryland’s release marks the end of an era for the Patriots, as he is the final kicker drafted by longtime head coach Bill Belichick. While the move might come as a surprise to some, the Patriots' decision underscores their commitment to fielding a competitive team and ensuring that every position meets the franchise's high standards.
With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Patriots’ special teams unit to see if Slye can carry his strong training camp performance into the regular season. His consistency and ability to convert crucial kicks will be essential in tight games, and fans will be hopeful that Slye's tenure in New England will stabilize what has been a challenging position for the team in recent years.
In summary, the Patriots' decision to cut Chad Ryland after just one year reflects a broader strategy to enhance performance and reliability across the board. While Ryland led the team in scoring during his rookie campaign, his overall inaccuracy proved too significant an issue to overlook. The acquisition of Joey Slye, with his proven track record and successful training camp showing, provides the team with a seasoned professional who is poised to handle the pressure of key moments.
As the Patriots move forward with Slye as their kicker, the focus will undoubtedly be on maximizing their special teams' potential and securing those crucial points that can often make the difference in the highly competitive landscape of the NFL.