Patriots make the final call on key training camp competition

While all the focus has been on the quarterback competition this summer, there is one other competition that has gotten a lot of attention.

Last season, Chad Ryland really struggled in his rookie year. While he had one game winning kick against the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve, he missed numerous other attempts in his rookie season.

So coming into his second year, the team decided to challenge him by bringing in veteran kicker Joey Slye.

And throughout the beginning of the summer, the two were neck and neck. But in the past few weeks, one player has taken the lead. So that led to Tuesday's decision.

The Patriots waived Ryland during final roster cuts, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports . So that means Slye won the competition.

Patriots Kicking Competition Final Numbers

During the preseason, Slye was given almost all the in-game field goal opportunities. Ryland was only given one field goal attempt in Sunday's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. He came out in the third quarter to finish a nice drive by Joe Milton III , and was good from 37 yards.

Joey Slye on the other hand, did suffer his first miss of the preseason. However, it was a 64 yard field goal attempt to end the half.

The Patriots traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Ryland in the fourth round. But his lack of consistency led to him losing the job. And what makes this sting even more for Patriots fans is the fact that Ryland took the job from veteran Nick Folk, who went on to have a solid year with the Tennessee Titans.

Other Roster News

Latest move confirms suspicion regarding what Patriots thought of former starter

Bailey Zappe's time with the New England Patriots appears to have come to an end.

During final roster cuts, the Patriots waived the quarterback, multiple sources report. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero had it first.

Things were headed this way after the team drafted two quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. And Zappe was then competing for the No. 3 spot with sixth-round pick Joe Milton III .

But after Milton's promising performance in the first preseason game combined with the excitement and unknown he brings to the roster, the rookie got increased playing time during practice and in the following two games.

While Zappe did get a lot of time in the first preseason game, he only came in for the final drive of the second and third game. He finished the preseason going 15-for-25, throwing for 137 yards.

Related: Patriots Roster Cuts Tracker 2024: Keeping tabs on all of the moves to get to 53