Breaking News: Patriots Pull Off the Most Shocking Kicker Signing of the Offseason
With Joey Slye signing with the Tennessee Titans earlier this offseason, the New England Patriots will have a new starting kicker for the third consecutive year.
Journeyman John Parker Romo is the only kicker currently signed to the roster, but Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer says the team plans to bring in more competition for the position.
According to Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston, “Patriots special teams coach Jeremy Springer says they’re going to bring in more competition at kicker. They have John Parker Romo currently on the roster.”
After beating out fourth round pick Chad Ryland last training camp, Slye had an inconsistent 2024 season with the Patriots. He set a franchise record with a 63-yard field goal in Week 4 but struggled with accuracy throughout the season, making only 78.8% (26/33) of his field goal attempts.
Meanwhile, Romo is a 27-year-old journeyman kicker with only 12 field goal attempts in his career. He did make 91.7% (11/12) of his attempts with the Minnesota Vikings last season, but the Patriots are seeking a long-term solution.
With nine total draft picks, including three in the seventh round, don’t be surprised if the Patriots draft a kicker during the 2025 NFL Draft.
According to Evan Lazar of Patriots.com, “Patriots STs coordinator Jeremy Springer has had a big hand in scouting kickers this offseason. Springer says they’ve watched every draft-eligible kicker and have plans for drafting a kicker or signing a UDFA.”
Since only a small number of kickers are drafted each year, the Patriots should have a good chance of securing one of their preferred targets on day three of the draft. If that doesn’t happen, they will need to consider the veteran free agent market, as they cannot enter the season with only Romo on the roster.
