The Patriots just can’t get away from Chad Ryland.
Ryland, who New England selected with the No. 122 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, never quite worked out with his original club. The Patriots decided to cut bait early, releasing him after just one season and moving on to greener pastures.
Ryland, however, also moved on to greener pastures.
The Arizona Cardinals made a desperation move by signing the 25-year-old earlier this month, needing someone to kick after Matt Prater was placed on injured reserve with a left knee injury. Ryland has done nothing but deliver in his new home, making three game-winning kicks in his first four games with the club.
The NFL rewarded his heroics with NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors for October.
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It’s probably not fun watching their former kicker kill it elsewhere, but the Patriots can at least take solace in the fact they saw something in Ryland… maybe.