Notable Patriots roster competition might already be over

The most discussed position battle during Patriots training camp this summer has revolved around the quarterbacks. Jacoby Brissett has been the presumed starter, with rookie Drake Maye waiting in the wings. While that is a fascinating competition, another might be just as critical to the team's 2024 season.

After a struggle-filled rookie season in 2023, Chad Ryland's future in New England looked bleak. Although most of the blame for how poorly the team's season went rested on Bill Belichick and the offense, primarily Mac Jones, the kicker was responsible for many problems contributing to the Patriots' lack of success.

His constant missed field goals continued to give opposing teams the upper hand, forcing Belichick to go for it on fourth down far more than any head coach would like. So Ryland headed into the 2024 offseason with the high potential of being released, even with a new head coach and GM in charge.

That hasn't happened, but the new regime did bring competition for Ryland this spring and summer by signing veteran Joey Slye. The seasoned kicker, who has spent five years in the NFL with four teams, hopes to make New England his home for the upcoming season.

It has been so far so good for Slye since arriving in Foxboro, and it might be so good that Ryland will be looking elsewhere to play this fall.

The Patriots kicker competition might already have a winner

Throughout summer practices, Ryland and Slye have mainly been neck and neck regarding their completion percentages on field goals. One wasn't necessarily looking significantly better than the other, nor did we see much of either blow the coaches away with their performance.

While that may be true, seeing Slye get the nod for last Thursday's preseason matchup against the Eagles was interesting. He remained the kicker for the entire game and followed that up with a weekend of standout showings at practice.

Slye showed off a steady foot on Sunday, making all four of his kicks from 44 to 55 yards out, while Ryland went 3-of-5 with misses from 49 and 56 yards. What started as a noncompetition at the beginning of the summer has heated up in recent weeks, with the fire entirely under Ryland as cutdown day nears.

If the veteran continues his rise over the next two weeks, it might be an easier decision for Mayo to make. Keeping Slye would likely be a safer bet, and putting Ryland on the practice squad as insurance would ensure no teams would try to snag him away from the team at some point during the season.

Update as of August 21:

Joey Slye continues his rise at practice and likely solidified his role as the Patriots designated kicker on Wednesday.

Update as of August 22:

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