Another Failed Bill Belichick Draft Pick Reportedly Cut By Patriots

Chad Ryland reportedly will not make the New England Patriots’ initial 53-man roster less than two seasons after he was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

It marks yet another failed pick for Bill Belichick, the Patriots former head honcho who parted ways with the team this offseason. Ryland was the highest-drafted kicker of the Belichick era (No. 112). It was a bad pick from the jump.

Imagine if the Patriots selected someone like Los Angeles Rams wideout Puka Nuka (No. 177) instead.

The release of Ryland, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, means veteran Joey Slye won New England’s kicker competition.

Slye converted 79.6% of his kicks in training camp (43-for-54) while Ryland hit 75.9% (41-for-54) of his, per 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Alex Barth. Slye, however, had the clear edge from distance as he went 8-for-9 on kicks between 50-59 yards and 0-for-2 from 60-plus. Ryland went 3-for-7 from 50-plus yards.

Ryland struggled during his rookie season when he made just 64% of his field goal attempts, which ranked last in the league.

You can keep track of all reports and rumors with our Patriots roster tracker here.