Patriots Vet's Job No Longer Safe After Repeated Struggles Continue in Week 12

Very few jobs are guaranteed on 3-9 NFL teams – and the New England Patriots might be adding one more player to a lengthy chopping block.

In New England's 34-15 loss to their AFC East rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Patriots kicker Joey Slye missed his fourth field goal of the season in the first quarter – failing to capitalize on an opportunity to get New England on the board first.

With the game still scoreless with 3:13 remaining in the first half, Slye hit the right upright on a 45-yard field goal attempt. Slye's miss comes a week after Jerod Mayo controversially opted to punt rather than have his kicker attempt a 54-yard field goal. Following the game, the first-year Patriot also suggested that his own input played a role in the decision.

Slye also had an extra point attempt blocked in the fourth quarter against the Rams – a miss that prevented New England from making it a one-possession game in an eventual 28-22 loss.

In Week 4, Slye hit a 63-yarder at Levi's Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers – setting a franchise record.

Slye – a six-year vet – was brought in during the offseason to battle with 2023 fourth-round pick Chad Ryland, who had a disastrous rookie season with the Patriots in which he only converted 16 of 25 field goal attempts. Slye beat out Ryland during training camp, forcing New England to release Ryland.

Although the Patriots haven't exactly been the most competitive team in the league this season, all of Slye's misses prior to today came in one-possession games – including a miss or block each in three-point overtime losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.

If New England does decide to part ways with Slye, available free agent kickers include Greg Joseph, Greg Zuerlein, Brayden Narveson, Riley Patterson, and Cade York. The Patriots are not currently carrying a kicker on their practice squad.

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