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Former Patriots Kicker Lands First NFL Job Since Leaving New England in Week 5

Chad Ryland was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on Wednesday.

By Jovan Alford

Nov 12, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (37) kicks a 24-yard field goal out of the hold of punter Bryce Baringer (17) against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park.
Nov 12, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (37) kicks a 24-yard field goal out of the hold of punter Bryce Baringer (17) against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Second-year kicker Chad Ryland was in a tightly-contested kicking competition with veteran Joey Slye in training camp to win the starting job with the Pats. Ryland struggled mightily as a rookie in 2023 under head coach Bill Belichick.

However, with a new regime in New England, he had the chance to change the narrative about himself, but the Patriots decided to go with Slye. Since being cut by the Patriots in August, Ryland hasn’t received much interest in free agency.

The last thing we heard about Ryland was that he worked out for the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday.

To no one’s surprise, nothing came from that workout with the Packers for Ryland. However, it seems like the 24-year-old kicker has found his next opportunity.

Patriots News: Chad Ryland Signs With Arizona Cardinals

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that Ryland was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad.

There’s a chance the former Patriots kicker could play in Week 5 as Cardinals starting kicker Matt Prater is currently dealing with a left knee injury. If Prater can’t go, the Cards hope Ryland’s kicking issues will not show up this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers.

Last season, Ryland made 16-of-25 field goals and 24-of-25 extra points. However, he struggled with field goals between 40-49 yards. Ryland was 5-of-10 from that distance and wasn’t much better from 50-plus yards out (2-of-4).

The former Patriots kicker was outstanding in college at Eastern Michigan and Maryland. He needs to put it together in the pros and forget what happened last year in New England.

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