Patriots' latest move challenges the roster status quo with young addition
The New England Patriots tried to grab a long-term solution at kicker, but the Chad Ryland experiment was a complete failure after he was drafted by Bill Belichick in the fourth round. So this year they went the veteran route, with Joey Slye. While Slye is a fairly solid kicker, he has converted 78.6% of […]
The New England Patriots tried to grab a long-term solution at kicker, but the Chad Ryland experiment was a complete failure after he was drafted by Bill Belichick in the fourth round. So this year they went the veteran route, with Joey Slye.
While Slye is a fairly solid kicker, he has converted 78.6% of his field goals this season and is already 28 years old. So the Patriots are trying something new without parting ways with Slye.
On Tuesday, the team signed John Parker Romo to the practice squad.
Parker Romo is not exactly much younger than Syle, just one year, but he has been a professional football player since 2022 — Slye has been in the NFL since 2019.
John Parker Romo played four games for the Minnesota Vikings this season while starter Will Reichard was injured, and he converted 11 of 12 field goals, including one from 55 yards, and seven of eight extra points. After Reichard got back, Romo was waived and went unclaimed, which allowed the Patriots to add him to the practice squad.
Background
John Parker Romo had an unusual path to the NFL. After spending his rookie training camp with the New Orleans Saints in 2022, he went to the XFL and played a season for the San Antonio Brahmas.
The good performance in the minor league generated new NFL opportunities, and he's spent time with the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos.
This season, however, Romo had the first opportunity to play regular season games in the big league. And he's taken full advantage of his chances.
Now, the Patriots can still rely on Joey Slye this season. And for the future, it can have a new battle for the position.
Superstar WR sends strong message to his current team, and it fits perfectly into the Patriots’ plans
Foxborough would certainly welcome him.
