The Patriots veteran’s job is no longer safe after repeated struggles in Week 12

With 3-9 NFL teams, very few jobs are guaranteed – and the New England Patriots could add another player to a long chopping block.

In New England’s 34:15 loss to the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Patriots kicker Joey Slye missed his fourth field goal of the season in the first quarter – and thus missed the opportunity to get New England on the field first bring.

With the game still scoreless with 3:13 left in the first half, Slye hit the right upright on a 45-yard field goal attempt. Slye’s miss came a week after Jerod Mayo controversially chose to punt instead of letting his kicker attempt a 54-yard field goal. After the game, the first-year also suggested that his own contribution played a role in the decision.

Slye also had an extra point attempt blocked in the fourth quarter against the Rams – a miss that prevented New England from making it a one-possession game, ultimately leading to a 28-22 loss.

In Week 4, Slye hit a 63-yarder against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, setting a franchise record.

Slye – a six-year veteran – was brought in in the offseason to battle 2023 fourth-round pick Chad Ryland, who had a disastrous rookie season with the Patriots in which he made just 16 of 25 field goal attempts transformed. Slye hit Ryland during training camp, forcing New England to release Ryland.

Although the Patriots haven’t exactly been the most competitive team in the league this season, all of Slye’s misses to date have come in one-possession games – including one miss or block each in three-point overtime losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.

Should New England actually decide to part ways with Slye, free agent kickers Greg Joseph, Greg Zuerlein, Brayden Narveson, Riley Patterson and Cade York are available, among others. The Patriots currently do not have a kicker on their practice squad.

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