The New England Patriots might not be keeping two kickers on their roster after all.
Per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe and Dianna Russini, the Patriots are “engaged in trade discussions involving kicker Nick Folk”. The veteran kicker is on the heels of a strong training camp, but he found himself in tightly-contested battle with rookie Chad Ryland.
Unfortunately for Folk, Ryland is a fourth-round draft pick, which means the Patriots are too invested in the young kicker to cut him. The only other alternative would be keeping two kickers on the roster, which is something coach Bill Belichick mentioned as a possibility.
But the reality is that spot would be better suited for depth at another position.
The Patriots have engaged in trade discussions involving kicker Nick Folk, sources told me and @DMRussini. Folk had been in a camp competition with rookie Chad Ryland. @TheAthletic
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 29, 2023
There are multiple kicker-needy teams still out there, and if the Patriots could get back a draft pick in the deal, it would sweeten the blow of letting Folk walk out the door.
