4 Patriots who won’t make the 53-man roster in 2024
It might be a bit early in the offseason to debate which players might or might not make the roster for the 2024 season, but with how many changes are expected for this team, a few names stand out above the others due to their mediocre (or worse) performance last year.
There is certainly plenty of time for things to change and for these players to prove they are worthy of another chance, but it might not be as easy to convince Jerod Mayo and his new staff with all the pressure they have on their shoulders to put together a winning roster.
There are a lot of question marks surrounding the roster as it currently stands, but these four players appear to be on the shakiest ground this offseason.
4 Patriots who won’t make the 53-man roster in 2024
Chad Ryland
The Patriots' special teams has been one of the weakest parts of the roster over the last few years. Considering they have historically been at the top of the league with their third unit's proficiency over the last two decades, it was a shock to see how far they have fallen.
With a new special teams coordinator in tow and the retirement of future Hall of Famer Matthew Slater, there will inevitably be many changes, hopefully the good kind. One of those changes might be moving on from second-year kicker Chad Ryland, who had a rough rookie season in 2023.
Keeping a rookie kicker and punter was a controversial decision by Belichick, especially since Nick Folk had been as solid as they come since signing with the team in 2019. Perhaps the coach planned to sign him to the practice squad, outrageously believing other teams wouldn't swoop in and pick him up, only for the veteran to sign with the Titans and record one of the most accurate seasons of his career.
On the other hand, Ryland wasn't able to prove why he was kept over Folk, as he went on to miss nine field goals and an extra point by season's end. It was clear his confidence took a shot because of it, and he will likely have to fight for his spot on the team throughout the summer.
Kayshon Boutte
Despite being labeled as the biggest steal of the draft as a former first-round prospect and being selected by the Patriots in the sixth round, Kayshon Boutte struggled in his rookie season and has put his NFL career in doubt due to legal issues this offseason.
Because rookie receivers didn't tend to be all that successful during the Belichick era, Boutte was given some slack, and there was optimism that he would show all he was capable of throughout offseason training programs and training camp.
That has changed in the months since the season ended, with reports alleging his involvement in an online gambling investigation while he was attending LSU. What will become of that is unknown at this point since the investigation is ongoing, but due to the sensitivity of the legal matter, Boutte may have ruined his chances of remaining with the Patriots for more than just a single season.