Former Virginia Tech kicker stunningly wins training camp kicking battle

Back in May, former Virginia Tech kick Joey Slye was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars but was quickly signed by the New England Patriots. The veteran was brought into the Foxbough to pressure youngster Chad Ryland who struggled in 2023 for the Pats.

Slye put a lot of pressure on Ryland and as the last couple of weeks were winding down, it appeared that he had a chance to unseat Ryland as the Patriots kicker for first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. In New England’s final preseason game Sunday night, Ryland was allowed to win the job and hit a field goal and extra point after a second-quarter touchdown, but two days later, it didn’t matter.

Joey Slye win Patriots kick competition

New England had to do their final cuts Tuesday and they decided to give the kicking job to Slye and cut Ryland in a somewhat surprising move. The Patriots are expected to finish last in the AFC East behind the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets, but they get a veteran kicker who is used to kicking in weather along the East Coast in November, December, and January after his stint with the Commanders. It was thought that Slye was brought in to push Ryland in camp, but he ended up outperforming him to win the job.

During his time in the NFL, Ryland has been a consistent kicker and he has a strong leg which can be a difference-maker in a close game as the season goes along. He’ll get his first chance in real game action in Week 1 when New England opens the season on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals.