Bill Belichick addresses the possibility of the Patriots keeping two kickers
When the New England Patriots drafted Chad Ryland in the fourth round of this year’s NFL Draft back in April, it seemed to seal the end of the Nick Folk era in New England. Folk has been very reliable during the majority of his three-plus seasons with the Patriots, but with a late-season drop off last year, it looked like the 38-year-old was done with the Patriots.
But, in the words of the great Lee Corso, “not so fast, my friend!”
READ MORE:
— Patriots roster projection 4.0
— Takeaways from the Patriots’ preseason finale
— Ups & Downs from the Patriots’ preseason finale
As we’ve pointed out through multiple roster projections, the Patriots have done nothing to this point to eliminate the idea that they’d keep two kickers. The Patriots have never released a healthy fourth-round pick in the Bill Belichick era, but are still operating as if Folk is competing for his job. Folk and Ryland have split reps evenly, as if in a true competition. Within that competition, neither player has yielded any ground.
“Very competitive,” Belichick said, when asked about the kicker competition on Saturday morning. “They’ve both had really good camps, so that’s a pretty tight competition.”
If Folk has been good enough to earn a roster spot, and the Patriots know the aren’t parting with Ryland, could they keep two kickers in a college style system, with Folk handling regular field goal duties and Ryland handling kickoffs and long field goals? Belichick was asked about the team considering that possibility.
“We had two kickers last year on the roster for one game,” Belichick replied. “Again, there’s a number of things to consider when you look at the whole roster makeup. We’ll get into those this weekend and do what we feel is best for the team. That’s all I can tell you.”
The Patriots actually rostered two kickers for two games last year, against the Bengals and Bills. With Folk struggling with kickoffs, the team elevated Tristian Vizcaino from the practice squad as a kickoff specialist.
What would it look like if the Patriots did that again? Probably a similar format. That would buy the Patriots time to decide what to do with Folk. If last year’s regression was simply due to age, they could cut him into the season. If not and he’s still accurate once kickoff duties are taken off his plate, they would be able to keep him around while letting Ryland improve behind the scenes for next year.
What’s the biggest case against this argument? If there’s one factor that may prevent the Patriots from keeping two kickers, it’s more likely an external one than internal. Around the league on Friday night, the NFL’s kicker shortage was on full display. Folk should have actual trade value at this point – nothing major, but a Day 3 pick isn’t an unrealistic return either.
Kicker trades are rare but they do happen – there have been three in the NFL since 2020. If the Patriots believe they can get something for Folk – and they should be able to – there’s no reason to cut him. Then the question becomes what do the Patriots value more – a future Day 3 pick and an extra roster spot, or insurance for their rookie kicker?
What could the Patriots do with that extra roster spot? We got into that in our latest roster projection…
New England Patriots Roster Projection 4.0: Cuts on the way
Quarterbacks (2)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots warms up before facing the Tennessee Titans during a preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
–Mac Jones
–Bailey ZappeIt wasn’t the best summer for Zappe, capped off by a near wire-to-wire three-turnover game on Friday night. Yet it wasn’t worrying to the point where the Patriots should look into bringing in another quarterback, at least on the active roster.
As for Malik Cunningham, it would have been good to see him get more reps at quarterback after the preseason opener. The fact the Patriots used him almost exclusively at wide receiver on Friday night isn’t a good sign for his roster chances. Still, he’s a very strong candidate to stick around on the practice squad.
Changes from Roster Projection 3.0: CUT Malik Cunningham.
Running backs (4)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Anthony Johnson Jr. #36 of the Green Bay Packers tackles J.J. Taylor #42 of the New England Patriots in the second half during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
–Ezekiel Elliott
–Rhamondre Stevenson
–Pierre Strong
–J.J. TaylorTaylor played his best this summer when it really mattered, in joint practices and in games. The coaching staff will take notice of that, and it should be enough to help him sneak onto the roster. Ty Montgomery not dressing on Friday night wasn’t a good sign for his chances. As for Kevin Harris, his skillset overlaps with Elliott and Stevenson, where Taylor adds a speed/quickness element the team wouldn’t otherwise have on the roster. Harris should get to the practice squad, and could end up on the roster later in the season – as he did last year.
Changes from 3.0: ADD J.J. Taylor
Wide receivers (6)
Aug. 19, 2023: New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshoun Boutte runs past Green Bay Packers safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (36) after catching a pass to score a touchdown at Lambeau Field. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
–Kendrick Bourne
–Kayshon Boutte
–Demario Douglas
–DeVante Parker
–JuJu Smith-Schuster
–Tyquan ThorntonWe’ve been at six wide receivers since Roster Projection 2.0, and this past week showed no reason to change that. Boutte’s lack of playing time on Friday night felt like a positive sign for his roster chances.
While this may be the initial group, that could change quickly. If Thornton’s shoulder issues is going to cost him regular season tiime, the Patriots could place him on IR – where he’d have to miss the first four weeks – once rosters become official to then open up a roster spot to add another player off the practice squad.
Changes from 3.0: None
Tight ends (2)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Mike Gesicki
–Hunter HenryKeeping just two tight ends initially still feels like it makes the most sense for the Patriots – especially with Gesicki returning to practice last week following a shoulder injury. Matt Sokol and Anthony Firkser will both probably contribute at some point this year, but the team should be able to get them to the practice squad first and either elevate them as needed or sign one once a player is placed on IR.
Changes from 3.0: None
Offensive linemen (9)
Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots offensive tackle Riley Reiff (74) works with a weight bag during 2023 training camp. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
–C David Andrews
–C/G Jake Andrews
–T Trent Brown
–G Atonio Mafi
–G/T Mike Onwenu
–T/G Riley Reiff
–T/G Sidy Sow
–G Cole Strange
–‘TBD Tackle’We already had one ‘TBD’ player on the roster projections this year, putting a ‘TBD running back’ on 2.0 before the Patriots signed Ezekiel Elliott. We’re bringing this spot back this week at tackle.
Now, there is some serious projecting going on here. Rieff’s injury on Friday night complicates this position (for more on Reiff’s injury, check out Friday night’s game takeaways here). If he’ll be ready to go for Week 1, the Patriots may be able to get by with eight offensive linemen. However if he’s going to miss time, the Patriots would be down to one primary tackle on their roster in Brown. At that point they’d almost have to add another, and with Conor McDermott not practicing for the last two weeks and Calvin Anderson still on NFI, the most logical way to do so would be via external addition.
Changes from 3.0: CUT Conor McDermott, ADD ‘TBD Tackle’
Defensive linemen (7)
Tennessee Titans running back Jacques Patrick (38) is tackled by New England Patriots defensive tackle Sam Roberts (96) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. (Syndication: The Tennessean)
–Christian Barmore
–Daniel Ekuale
–Davon Godchaux
–Lawrence Guy
–Sam Roberts
–Keion White
–Deatrich WiseFootball is a ‘what have you done for me lately’ sport, and that’s what gets Roberts on the roster. He’s been making plays consistently since the week of joint practices in Green Bay. Friday night’s performance should offset two bad penalties he had in the second preseason game. The 2022 sixth-round pick just makes the back end of this roster with a late, but strong, showing for the coaching staff.
Changes from 2.0: ADD Sam Roberts
Linebackers (7)
Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) is tackled for a loss by New England Patriots linebacker Ronnie Perkins (51) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
–Ja’Whaun Bentley
–Chris Board
–Anfernee Jennings
–Matthew Judon
–Marte Mapu
–Jahlani Tavai
–Josh UcheLike Sam Roberts, Ronnie Perkins made a late push for a roster spot with a strong showing in the preseason finale. Unlike Roberts though, Perkins’ showing exists on its own – he missed the full week in Green Bay and just returned to the practice field this week. Given Roberts has a more complete body of work he gets the nod, but Perkins should be back on the practice squad and could be one of those players brought back to the 53 after IR placements are made.
Changes from 3.0: None
Cornerbacks (5)
New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones sprints during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
–Myles Bryant
–Christian Gonzalez
–Jack Jones
–Jonathan Jones
–Marcus JonesThis is the same group we’ve had for most of the summer. It wouldn’t be unrealistic to see one of Ameer Speed, Shaun Wade, or Isaiah Bolden make the team, but for this evaluation none of the three quite got over the hill. Again, these are players the Patriots could probably get to the practice squad and recall when needed. That being said, the team could keep Bolden then place him on IR with his concussion, quickly re-opening that roster spot.
That all being said, Jack Jones’ status coming into focus with the preseason opener a few weeks away. He told reporters this week he hasn’t heard anything from the league about a potential suspension. If one comes though, he’d be added to the exempt list and not count against the 53-man roster. In that case, one of Wade or Speed (I’d guess Wade) would very likely end up on the roster.
Changes from 3.0: None
Safeties (5)
Jun 12, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Jabrill Peppers (5) and safety Joshuah Bledsoe (24) workout at the Patriots minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Joshuah Bledsoe
–Kyle Dugger
–Jalen Mills
–Jabrill Peppers
–Adrian PhillipsBledsoe played a lot with the starters in all three preseason games. That should be a strong sign that the team plans on keeping him. Besides him, this position is pretty cut-and-dry.
Changes from 3.0: None
Specialists (3)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (38) kicks the ball to the Houston Texans during the first half at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
–K Chad Ryland
–P Bryce Baringer
–LS Joe CardonaI’ve said for weeks I wouldn’t come off the possibility of the Patriots keeping two kickers until I had a reason not to. That reason came Friday night.
Part of it is how the Patriots handled their kickers – Ryland handled both kickoffs and attempted the lone PAT, while Nick Folk remained on the sideline. The bigger factor though is what happened around the league. From erratic kicking to injuries, the NFL’s kicker shortage was on full display. At this point, it should be impossible to ignore Folk’s trade value. The Patriots should be able to get a Day 3 pick for him, should they elect to move him – which they should.
That being said, if Folk isn’t traded prior to the roster cutdown there’s a good chance the team keeps him rather than releases him, either to be the second kicker or to trade him later. In his Saturday morning press conference, Bill Belichick didn’t rule out the possibility of keeping two kickers, pointing out they had two kickers on the active roster at times last year (Tristan Vizcaino was on the team for two games as a kickoff specialist, with Folk handling field goal duties).
Changes from 3.0: CUT Nick Folk
Special teamers (3)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Calvin Munson (43) in game action during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Calvin Munson
–Brenden Schooler
–Matthew SlaterWe had Munson on the roster last week, but he only strengthened his case on Friday night – both on special teams and playing linebacker. He should give the Patriots some added emergency depth off the ball on early downs behind Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, and Chris Board.
On the bubble
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on before a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Last 3 on:
–RB J.J. Taylor
–DL Sam Roberts
–S Joshuah BledsoeLast 3 off:
–QB/WR Malik Cunningham
–DL Carl Davis
–K Nick Folk
