Failed Patriots Draft Pick Signs With NFC Practice Squad

Chad Ryland has found a second home after a short tenure with the New England Patriots.

Ryland, who Bill Belichick selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, was released by the Patriots ahead of their 53-man roster cutdown. Veteran kicker Joey Slye beat out the second-year Ryland and impressed through four Patriots games this season.

The Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday announced they signed Ryland to their practice squad. Veteran Matt Prater serves as Arizona's starting kicker, meaning Ryland likely will not take the field in the short-term.

During his rookie campaign in New England, Ryland converted 64% of his field goals (16-for-25) and was 50% (7-for-14) from 40 or more yards. The fact he was released one year after he was drafted in the fourth round made him one of Belichick's biggest draft whiffs.