Meet the new kicker

August 2, 2024

by Steve Thomas

Many fans questioned Washington’s choice of replacement for kicker Brandon McManus, who underwent a rapid involuntary departure procedure after being accused of sexual misconduct.  The team admittedly didn’t have a ton of options, and ended up chosing to bring in an unknown and unproven USFL kicker, Ramiz Ahmed.  That appeared unwise given Ahmed’s lack of experience, and it seemed like the clock was ticking for the team to bring in some competition.  Well, competition arrived this week in the form of one Riley Patterson, who actually does have some legitimate NFL experience.

Who is Patterson, anyway?

He’s a 2021 undrafted free agent from the University of Memphis.  Patterson has spent time with a bunch of teams, starting with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots in the 2021 offseason before landing the regular season job for the Detroit Lions.  That gig lasted one season, and he moved to the Jacksonville Jaguars for 2022, then spent time in 2023 with the Lions and Cleveland Browns.  Patterson was briefly back with the Jaguars this past offseason before signing with Washington this week.

Overall, Patterson has made 59 of his 67 field goal attempts in his NFL career, including 13 of 14 between 20 and 29 yards, 27 of 28 between 30 and 39 yards, 16 of 19 between 40 and 49 yards, and 3 for 6 over 50 yards.  Last season, between the Lions and the Jaguars, he went 16 for 18, including 2 for 3 between 20 and 29 yards, 11 for 11 between 30 and 39 yards, 2 for 2 between 40 and 49 yards, and 1 for 2 over 50 yards.

He has converted 93 of 97 extra point attempts.

Ahmed could certainly still win the job for Washington during the preseason, but it’s hard to believe that Patterson isn’t now the favorite to remain on the roster in week 1.