The New England Patriots fourth-round pick kicker Chad Ryland has become the fifth member of the 2023 draft class to ink a deal, making him the second kicker being drafted this year after the San Francisco 49ers picked Jake Moody with No. 99 overall.
Alongside Chad, the franchise also signed fourth-round guard Sidy Sow, fifth-round guard Atonio Mafi, sixth-round wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, sixth-round kicker Bryce Baringer, sixth-round wide receiver Demario Douglas, sixth-round defensive back Ameer Speed, and seventh-round defensive back Isaiah Bolden as well as signed three undrafted rookies: quarterback Malik Cunningham, linebacker Jourdan Heilig, tight end Johnny Lumpkin.
Patriots agree to terms on fourth-round kicker Chad Ryland
According to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, the Patriots came to terms on a four-year rookie deal with Maryland K Chad Ryland worth up to $4.626 million including a $786,748 signing bonus to take over the spot of veteran Nick Folk, the team’s top kicker for the past three seasons.
Ryland became the highest specialist the Patriots head coach Bill Belichick ever drafted in his New England tenure as the franchise traded away the No. 120 and No. 184 overall picks for the 112th pick to take the second-best kicker on the draft board.
The most polarizing pick of the 2023 NFL draft for the Patriots began his college career at Eastern Michigan University and appeared in all thirteen games while making all 41 attempted PATs as a freshman.
The Patriots’ young star was transferred to the University of Maryland last year and recorded 19-of-23 field goals with 39-of-40 extra points in 2022, giving him the 2022 Second Team All-Big Ten record.
Given his skill set and the previous incredible performance, the Maryland product could prove himself as the spark the Patriots team needs to turn things around. However, it remains to be seen if the kicker was worth a trade up into the fourth round for New England.
With some new faces on board, the franchise looks set to make a serious push for the playoffs and beyond.
