The Patriots are in the process of trimming their 2024 roster down to its scheduled 53-man roster for the season as the 4 p.m. EST deadline for the reduction approaches. Almost all of the cuts they have already made have been unsurprising, including the decision to release kicker Chad Ryland.
Much like the inevitable fate of quarterback Bailey Zappe, it seemed all but official that Ryland’s days with the Patriots were numbered. His troubled rookie season put the team in difficult situations on several occasions, sometimes forcing Bill Belichick to keep the offense on the field for fourth downs.
Although he became known for his impressive skills during his time at the University of Maryland, he was never able to truly showcase them, whether due to nerves or something else, which inevitably put the stability of his roster on shaky ground this offseason.
But the new regime decided in recent months to give him a real shot at the job, signing experienced Joey Slye to create a real squad battle. At the end of preseason, the kickers were neck and neck in terms of their full kicks and attempts, but Slye won the job with his talent for successful long kicks.
While Ryland’s release was not unexpected and most fans are OK with seeing him out of the squad, there is reason to be grateful for his contributions, however limited they may have been.
Although he contributed to more losses than wins last year, Ryland’s misses may have benefited the Patriots significantly, laying the foundation for their future success.
Because many of his missed field goals and extra points caused the Patriots to lose several games, especially his missed field goal to tie the game against the Giants, Ryland helped the team get the third pick in the 2024 draft, a selection that ultimately fell to Drake Maye.
It’s too early in the quarterback’s career to come to any conclusions, but if he becomes the next face of the franchise and their quarterback of the future, Ryland should receive far more thanks from fans for his contributions to it.
That’s a much nicer way to remember the kicker who was said to have so much potential than to think of him as the latest draft flop.
