There’s finally a resolution on the New England Patriots’ kicker situation
The New England Patriots’ ‘two kicker’ theory is officially off the board. Instead of electing to keep both rookie Chad Ryland and veteran Nick Folk to start the season, the team has made a move.
On Tuesday morning, the Patriots traded Folk to the Tennessee Titans for a seventh-round pick in 2025. Ian Rapoport was the first to report the trade, with Tom Pelissero adding the compensation details.
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Folk, 38, has been with the Patriots since midway through the 2019 season, when he was signed as a free agent to replace an injured Stephen Gostkowski. In his time with the Patriots Folk has hit 89.3 percent of his 121 field goal attempts – that percentage is the fifth-best among qualified kickers in the league since 2019.
However, Folk’s consistency waivered in the second half of the 2022 season. That, plus his age and the fact he was entering the final year of his contract, may have led to the Patriots trading up and selecting Ryland in the fourth round of the draft this past spring. The Patriots have never cut a healthy fourth-round pick during Bill Belichick’s tenure.
Ryland was the second kicker taken in this year’s draft. Last season at Maryland, Ryland hit 19 of his 23 field goal attempts, including 16 of 17 kicks from inside 50 yards. Ryland transferred to Maryland last year after four years as a starter at Eastern Michigan. Ryland struggled as a freshman but improved greatly from there. From his sophomore year on he hit 87.3 percent of his kicks from inside 50 yards.
This is the third trade the Patriots have made during the roster-cut period. They also acquired tackles Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and Vederian Lowe on Sunday. This is the most trades the Patriots have made in the lead-up to cut-down day since 2021, when they also made three. Between August 28-31 of 2019 they made a total of five trades, including three for offensive linemen.
Will the Patriots continue to wheel and deal? We’re keeping track of their moves below…
Patriots Roster Tracker: Making the final decisions for 2023
CB Shaun Wade makes the team
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Shaun Wade #26 of the New England Patriots reacts after giving up a first down to the Tennessee Titans during the preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
Cornerback Shaun Wade was present in the Patriots’ locker room on Tuesday afternoon, according to Mark Daniels. That means he’s been named to the 53-man roster.
It’s a great story for the third-year pro, who has stuck around in New England but struggled to be active on game days, let alone get playing time. But injuries, youth, uncertainty, and a relative lack of size at cornerback have combined to make the 6-foot-1 Wade a valuable piece to keep around.
I project Wade as the Patriots’ No. 4 outside cornerback, after Jonathan Jones, Christian Gonzalez, and Jack Jones. If Jack Jones is unavailable early in the season, due to his ongoing legal concerns, Wade would have a chance to get meaningful snaps.
Both rookie receivers make the team
Jul 26, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (60) makes a catch during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
News that should have Patriots fans excited for the future: both of their rookie sixth-round picks at wide receiver, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas, have made the 53-man roster. Andrew Callahan and Mark Daniels confirmed the news.
Douglas has impressed throughout the summer, so he was considered a virtual lock for weeks. Boutte, meanwhile, got off to a slow start but had a strong few weeks after that. The Pats could really use some youth, explosiveness, and long-term promise at wide receiver, so the emergence of the rookies has been most welcome.
Patriots waive RB Kevin Harris
New England Patriots running back Kevin Harris runs a drill during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
The Patriots are waiving running back Kevin Harris, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Harris didn’t have a good-enough summer to prove himself worth keeping over another option in free agency or the trade market. And now, both RBs drafted by the Pats in 2022, Strong and Harris, are gone.
This leaves the Patriots with just Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott on the roster at running back. Ty Montgomery is also a candidate to take snaps in the backfield, but he’s listed on the roster as a wide receiver and worked a lot with the WRs in camp when healthy.
Patriots Release WR Raleigh Webb
Jul 27, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Raleigh Webb runs a drill during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
The Patriots are releasing wide receiver/special teamer Raleigh Webb, according to Mark Daniels. Webb may have a chance to return via the practice squad and contribute on special teams, but was a long shot to make the 53-man roster.
Rookie DB Ameer Speed makes the team
New England Patriots cornerback Ameer Speed (61) pulls a sled at 2023 minicamp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
According to Mark Daniels, rookie defensive back Ameer Speed has made the Patriots’ 53-man roster. A great story for the rookie sixth-round pick, who certainly was not a lock to make the team. Speed projects as a core special teams coverage player and depth defensive back.
Patriots Release RB J.J. Taylor
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: J.J. Taylor #42 of the New England Patriots returns a punt against the Tennessee Titans during the preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
The Patriots are releasing running back J.J. Taylor, according to Chris Price of the Boston Globe. Taylor had a nice preseason, but it wasn’t enough to stick around in New England.
And it appears that Taylor’s time here could indeed be over. According to Karen Guregian of MassLive, Taylor “isn’t an automatic for the practice squad” and “would like to try and get a fresh start somewhere else.”
As of this writing, the Patriots have Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott on the roster at running back. They also have Ty Montgomery, who’s listed as a wide receiver and often worked with the receivers in camp when healthy.
Patriots cut linebacker, but could bring him back
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
The Patriots are releasing linebacker Calvin Munson, according to Mark Daniels. On the surface, it’s a surprise move after Munson made a strong push in the preseason. But Daniels added that Munson is likely to re-sign to the 53-man roster after they place someone on injured reserve.
Patriots Waive QB/WR Malik Cunningham
Aug. 10, 2023; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots quarterback Malik Cunningham (16) against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Another big move at quarterback: as first reported by Jeff Howe, the Patriots are cutting undrafted rookie QB/WR Malik Cunningham.
The team tried converting Cunningham from QB to wide receiver, but he didn’t seem to make much progress in that front in camp. He made a good impression and built some hype with his performance early in the preseason. But apparently, it wasn’t enough for the Patriots to keep him on the roster.
Another consideration: did Cunningham show enough to the other 31 teams that passed on him in the draft? Perhaps he will be able to come back via the Pats’ practice squad. For now, Mac Jones is the only QB left on the roster.
Patriots Waive QB Bailey Zappe
Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien talks with quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
It turns out that Bailey Zappe’s horrible performance in the preseason finale, and the fact he stayed out there well into the fourth quarter, was a bad sign for him. He’s being waived, as first reported by Ian Rapoport.
DL Sam Roberts Makes Patriots’ Roster
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)
For once, a piece of news that’s NOT a player getting cut: the Patriots are naming second-year defensive lineman Sam Roberts to the 53-man roster, according to Mark Daniels.
It’s a nice story for Roberts, who felt like a bubble player toward the end of training camp but made a strong impression in the preseason finale. Between him and the release of Carl Davis, the Pats’ defensive line is set to look a lot different this season.
Patriots waive S Joshuah Bledsoe
Safety Joshuah Bledsoe of the New England Patriots practices during 2023 mandatory minicamp in Foxboro. (Matt Dolloff/98.5 The Sports Hub)
The Patriots are waiving third-year safety Joshuah Bledsoe, according to Doug Kyed. The Patriots like Bledsoe, but they have outstanding depth at safety, which would make it hard for Bledsoe to see the field. But he should have a chance to come back on the pratice squad.
Patriots waive their third-best tight end
New England Patriots tight end Matt Sokol makes a catch while running a drill at 2023 minicamp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
In a mild surprise, the Patriots are waiving tight end Matt Sokol, according to Doug Kyed. Sokol was the Next Man Up™ at tight end and might have been their best pure blocker at the position. He’s a strong candidate to come back on the practice squad.
But this move also indicates that the Patriots’ top-2 tight ends, Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, are going to be 100 percent for Week 1, barring any further injuries.
Patriots release OL Kody Russey
New England Patriots center Kody Russey (66) works on the tackling sled during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
As reported by Mark Daniels, the Patriots are releasing offensive lineman Kody Russey. We consider Russey a top candidate to return to New England on the practice squad.
Russey is an interior lineman who has played a lot of center in practice. But with David Andrews still the starter, James Ferentz possibly sticking around as a backup, and rookie fourth-rounder Jake Andrews a virtual lock to make the team, Russey became expendable.
Patriots excuse RB J.J. Taylor from practice
GREEN BAY, WI: Anthony Johnson Jr. of the Green Bay Packers tackles J.J. Taylor of the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on Aug. 19, 2023. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
According to Karen Guregian of MassLive, Patriots running back J.J. Taylor had an excused absence from practice on Tuesday. His lack of presence on the field may have fueled speculation that he was being cut, but for now, Taylor is still alive on the roster.
Patriots Release DL Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
Jeremiah Pharms Jr. was on the Patriots practice squad last season after playing for the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers. (Photo by Bob Socci)
According to Doug Kyed, the Patriots are releasing defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. That leaves Davon Godchaux as the only realistic nose tackle option for the Patriots. I’d expect them to add someone at that spot, if only for depth.
Patriots Cut TE Anthony Firkser
New England Patriots tight end Anthony Firkser heads to the practice field during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (98.5 The Sports Hub)
According to Doug Kyed, the Patriots are cutting tight end Anthony Firkser. The former Titans TE was battling with Matt Sokol and others for a possible third spot on the depth chart behind Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki.
This move strikes me as a good sign for both the health of Henry and Gesicki entering the regular season, and the chances of Sokol landing a spot on the roster or practice squad. The Pats could also be gauging the free-agent/trade market at the position, as they monitor moves across the league.
Patriots Trading Nick Folk
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 06: Nick Folk #6 of the New England Patriots kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
A kicker trade for the Patriots: according to Ian Rapoport, the Pats are trading kicker Nick Folk to the Titans. (more details forthcoming)
Patriots Release OG Chasen Hines
Aug 11, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots guard Chasen Hines (63) warms up before a preseason game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, the Patriots are waiving second-year guard Chasen Hines. A former sixth-round pick out of LSU, Hines has yet to be active for an NFL game and wasn’t able to rise past a second-or-third-string role on the Patriots.
