Patriots sign notable veteran kicker
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots are adding to their thin depth at kicker.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Thursday that the Patriots are signing veteran kicker Joey Slye. The 28-year-old Slye signed a one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March but was just released earlier this week.
Slye has several years of experience as a starting kicker. Ever since going undrafted in 2018, he has kicked for the Carolina Panthers, the Houston Texans, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Washington Commanders. Slye has converted on 121 of 147 field goals in his career (82.3 percent) and 138 of 156 extra points (88.5 percent).
Last season for Washington, Slye had some memorable moments, including a career-long 61-yard field goal and a nice troll job on the Baltimore Ravens. On the Patriots, Slye will compete for No. 1 kicker duties with Chad Ryland, who was very so-so in 2023 with 16 of 25 field goals made (64.0 percent).
