There are a lot of positions the Patriots need to address through the 2025 NFL Draft in a few weeks, with the offense likely being the priority. A solid free agency with impactful defensive signings will allow them to do that, but some under-the-radar roster holes need to be dealt with, one of the biggest concerns being kicker.
Since Bill Belichick chose to keep rookie Chad Ryland over Nick Folk in 2023, the Patriots have struggled to find an adequate kicker to work with. They went through too many in the following season and were fortunate to have a seasoned veteran, Joey Slye, last year.
However, Slye's performance went down as the season progressed, becoming more of a liability on the field than a help. So it was unsurprising when Mike Vrabel was hired that Slye was not retained for another season.
Going into the draft, New England still has to fill that position for the 2025 season, and fortunately, they just got their answer.
The #Colts have released kicker Matt Gay, their kicker the last two seasons.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2025
The Patriots should seriously consider signing Pro Bowl kicker Matt Gay for 2025
Because the group of free agents was not that thrilling, the Colts' decision to release Matt Gay after two seasons could be a gift for the Patriots for the 2025 season.
The main selling point for signing Gay is his 84% success rate with field goals, which includes a perfect record within 50 yards, and he didn't miss a single extra point in 17 games. What makes his signing even better is his previous experience working with special-teams coordinator Jeremy Springer while they were with the Rams.
That connection could play a significant role in Gay coming to New England, especially since he recorded a 93% success rate with field goals that season, the second highest of his career. If he could bring that to the Patriots, it's an absolute no-brainer to sign him.
The Patriots need a worry-free kicker on the team again, and it seems fair to assume Gay would bring that. The hope to make their special teams among the best in the league again should be far more prioritized than what we've seen so far, and now that they have the opportunity to sign someone like Gay, they should probably jump on the chance.