When training camp began for the Tennessee Titans, former Virginia Tech kicker Joey Slye had a rough start. Coming off an up-and-down 2025 season, first-year Titans head coach Robert Saleh decided to bring in 24-year-old Joshua Karty to potentially create a competition for the veteran Slye.
Last week against the San Francisco 49ers in Tennessee's preseason opener, Slye was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals, including drilling three from over 50 yards in a 19-13 victory in the Bay Area. You think that he would have silenced any doubters, but this is the NFL, and everything goes from week to week.
On Sunday night, the Titans played their second preseason game, this one at home against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. I know, preseason games don't offer much, but the Seahawks did play some starters in the game. As for Slye, he cemented his spot to be Saleh's kicker for the 2026 season.
Former Virginia Tech kicker cements spot on Titans roster
For the second straight week, Slye booted four field goals in the Titans' 19-16 win at Nissan Stadium. He made kicks of 55, 33, 40, and 43 yards. He also made his only extra point kick after a D'Ernest Johnson 2-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run that gave Tennessee the lead for good with 5:45 left in the game.
If you're a Titans fan, it is very encouraging to see Slye be a perfect 8-for-8 in the preseason through two games, but the more concerning part is that Tennessee has had issues finishing drives with touchdowns. That is something that could be a glaring issue going into the regular season in three weeks.
Syle has a big leg that has kept him in the NFL for years. Over his eight-year career, the former Hokies kicker has played for the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, 49ers, Washington Commanders, Titans, and New England Patriots. He holds the Patriots franchise record for the longest field goal with a 63-yard field goal in San Francisco two years ago.
Tennessee will close out its preseason slate on Saturday night when they host the Chicago Bears at 6 p.m.
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