The Patriots made a calculated decision last offseason to move on from a consistent veteran for higher upside.
In the end, it blew it up in their face.
The team’s decision to move on from veteran kicker Nick Folk ultimately left them with one of the worst kicking units in the NFL. At the time, the move was understandable. Folk, 39, struggled to kickoff and it looked like his leg strength was decreasing. That’s why the team drafted Chad Ryland in the fourth round, making him the highest-drafted kicker in the Bill Belichick era.
As opposed to Folk, Ryland has a monster leg and can crush kickoffs. Unfortunately, the rookie wasn’t anywhere near as consistent as the seasoned veteran. Last season, in Tennessee, Folk finished first in the NFL in field goal percentage (96.7%) and even averaged 62.3 yards per kickoff. Ryland finished last in the NFL in field goal percentage (64%) and averaged 63.6 yards per kickoff.
Ryland had the edge on kickoffs with 65% of his landing for touchbacks compared to Folk’s 50%, but the rookie’s struggles with field goals hurt the Patriots last season. That’s why it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Patriots bring in competition for Ryland this offseason. The rookie out of Maryland has plus kicking power but needs to find consistency if he’s going to keep his job.
Here are five free agent kickers the Patriots could entertain:
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Chase McLaughlin
If the Patriots want to find a veteran kicker to challenge Ryland, they could look at Chase McLaughlin. The 28-year-old finished seventh in the NFL in field goal percentage (93.5%) last season. He was also great at kickoffs with 75% landing for touchbacks. Last year was McLaughlin’s best in the NFL. This journeyman kicker has struggled with consistency, which is why he’s suited up for seven different NFL teams.
Greg Zuerlein
If the Patriots want to bring in an experienced veteran, who has kicked in cold weather, then Greg Zuerlein would be an ideal candidate. The 36-year-old spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets. He made 92.1% of his field goal attempts in 2023 with a long of 55 yards. He hit a long of 60 years the year before. Zuerlein also had 90.6% of his kickoffs land for touchbacks. He earned Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors back in 2017 with the Los Angeles Rams.
Wil Lutz
Another veteran kicking option would be Wil Lutz. The 29-year-old made 88.2% of his field goal attempts last season, which was his first in Denver. He spent the first six seasons of his NFL career in New Orleans, where he hit a 60-yard field goal in 2022. Lutz struggled with consistency in 2022 (74.2 field goal percentage) but bounced back with the Broncos. He had 87.7% of his kickoffs land for touchbacks. Lutz earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019.
Brandon McManus
If the Patriots want to bring in a veteran to compete with Ryland, then Brandon McManus would be a good choice. The 32-year-old hit 81.1% of his field goal attempts last season, which was his first in Jacksonville. He spent the previous nine seasons in Denver. He hit a career-long 61-yard field goal in 2021. Last year, McManus had 75.6% of his kickoffs land for touchbacks. He was much more consistent from inside 40, going 14-of-14.
Brett Maher
If the Patriots want to bring in added competition with a connection to their coaching staff, then they could turn to Brett Maher. Last season, Maher kicked in eight games for the Los Angeles Rams. New Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Spring was Maher’s assistant special teams coach. Maher was inconsistent, making 73.9% of his field goal attempts. The 34-year-old made 90.6% of his kicks the year before for the Dallas Cowboys. He has a big leg with a long of 63 yards (made in 2019). He last made a 60-yard kick in 2022.
