Jerod Mayo Throws Chad Ryland Under the Bus Right After Cutting Him

The New England Patriots' quarterback competition has commanded many of the headlines, but a winner has emerged from a different competition on the back fields in Foxborough. 2023 fourth-round kicker Chad Ryland was released on Tuesday, signaling a victory in the kicking competition to veteran Joey Slye.

Jerod Mayo didn't hold back in his assessment of the competition when speaking on Wednesday, revealing that Slye had "clearly had the better camp" and that the decision to move forward with Slye was a "very easy" one. Mayo doesn't appear to be second-guessing this one too much.

Slye and Ryland had been dueling it out since Slye was signed to a one-year deal in May to challenge Ryland for the starting spot.

Ryland was selected with the 112th overall pick in last year's draft, and leaves New England after only one season. Bill Belichick traded up in the draft to select the Maryland product, a move that Patriots fans have rightfully criticized. Ryland was picked 64 spots before Los Angeles Rams record-breaking rookie receiver Puka Nacua.

The Patriots are Slye's seventh NFL stop. He appeared in every game last season for the Washington Commanders, converting 79.2 percent of his field goals and connecting on an impressive long of 61 yards. Meanwhile, Ryland's 64 percent conversion rate was the worst in the league among qualified kickers in 2023.

Despite Mayo's comments on Ryland, some Patriots fans revere him for his missed field goal in Week 12 against the New York Giants. Trailing 10-7, Ryland pulled a 35-yard attempt wide left with three seconds left, dropping New England to 2-9 on the season. The Patriots eventually wound up with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting Drake Maye. When Ryland was released on Tuesday, Pats fans were sure to acknowledge his "service".

Ryland has not yet been claimed by any other NFL team.

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