The New England Patriots have made a move to address the place kicker position as they continue to bolster their roster in the wake of the NFL Draft. The team signed veteran free agent Joey Slye on Thursday. Slye is currently the Patriots’ second kicker on the roster. But what does the team gain by signing him? Let’s investigate.
Chad Ryland was under some pressure from the Patriots. Chad Ryland, a fourth-round draft selection by the Patriots in the previous season, defeated veteran Nick Folk to win the kicker position as a rookie. The Maryland product had a difficult first season in the NFL, despite the fact that the trajectory seemed to be positive. He made just 16 of 25 field goal tries (64%) and hit 24 of 25 extra point attempts (96%). The Patriots are still hopeful that Ryland can turn things around, but with more competition currently present, the sophomore will have more pressure to do so by 2024. By signing Slye, New England can cover its bases in the event that he chooses not to.
New England adds experience to the mix.
When comparing the statistical outcomes of their individual NFL careers, Slye has outperformed Ryland. The most recent Patriot has hit 82.3 percent of his field goal attempts (121 of 147) and 88.5 percent of his PATs (138 of 156). Slye has kickoff experience as well. When it comes to experience, Slye usually has a ton of it. Before moving to New England, the 28-year-old kicked in 78 games for six different NFL clubs, the most recent of which being the Washington Commanders. However, success does not equate to experience. Slye has more of the former than the latter, although even on that point, he may have an advantage over Ryland in the end.
The 90-man roster is full, in theory.
With 71 players on their active roster going into the NFL Draft, the Patriots had 19 spaces available for rookies and other post-draft additions. Eight players have been added since then through the draft, while eleven more are rumored to have signed free agents. In addition, New England added edge linebacker Oshane Ximines and released offensive tackle Conor McDermott, making 89 players on the roster. Slye, who recently signed, is now player number 90.
New England may not be done addressing the position.
The Patriots may decide they are done at the position after adding two kickers to their roster who will be vying for the 53-man roster place. But that might not be the case. After all, later this month, New England has extended an invitation to another place kicker to attend their rookie minicamp. It remains to be seen if Vincent Blanchard will seize the chance to sign a contract. The 25-year-old, a Quebec City native and Laval student, made field goals on 53 of 71 occasions (74.6%) during his 29 career appearances.
Leave a Reply