The New England Patriots' decision to trade up and draft kicker Chad Ryland in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft has fueled speculation that veteran kicker Nick Folk's tenure with the team may be coming to an end.
Patriots just drafted kicker Chad Ryland in the 4th round which means the end of the road for Nick Folk in New England.
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) April 29, 2023
What a run it was.
• 108-121 on field goals (89%)
• NFL scoring leader in 2021
• Set an NFL record for most made FG under 50 yards (64 straight) pic.twitter.com/lJ7pcek3Aj
Folk's recent struggles, including missing three extra points and five field goals in the previous season and a decline in leg strength, have made his position with the team uncertain. The Patriots traded up to select Ryland, indicating their strong interest in the rookie kicker and setting themselves up for the future of the position.
While Folk has been a reliable kicker for the Patriots in the past, his recent struggles and the arrival of Ryland make it highly likely that the team will move on from him this offseason, either via trade or release.
The 38-year-old has spent the last four seasons with the Patriots, posting an impressive 89.3 field goal percentage, with a 91.3 extra-point percentage over 57 games.
Pick #112, K Chad Ryland - I get why fans criticize how early he was taken, but Ryland is the #2 K in this draft class behind Moody. With Nick Folk’s game continuing to decline, the #Patriots needed a K that can battle the NE weather. A top ranked K was necessary. pic.twitter.com/6k6XkWXlZT
— PGS NEST (@NestPgs) April 30, 2023
Ryland's selection suggests that the Patriots are preparing to make a change at the kicker position, and they are ready to give the rookie a chance to prove himself in the NFL. Photo Credit: Kris Craig / USA TODAY NETWORK
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