Music City Miracles
The Titans make a change at kicker
The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with free-agent kicker Joey Slye, according to a report from Ian Rapoport. The Titans are officially replacing Nick Folk at kicker. The special teams overhaul continues under new coordinator John “Bones” Fassel after the team also parted ways with punter Ryan Stonehouse earlier this offseason.
Slye spent the 2024 campaign with the New England Patriots. He struggled, converting 26-of-33 attempts for a make percentage of 78.8%. Slye did go six-of-nine on attempts from 50-plus yards. He possesses a significantly stronger leg than Folk did. That must have been a point of emphasis for Fassel and general manager Mike Borgonzi.
While Slye possesses a stronger leg than Folk, he’s obviously far less accurate. His 78.8% conversion percentage is far worse than Folk’s was in 2024 (95.5%). While Folk posted a league-leading percentage last season, Slye ranked 28th.
Accuracy has been a consistent issue for Slye throughout his career. In 2023 with the Washington Commanders, his make percentage was a similar 79.2% in. It was 83.3% in 2022, and his six-year career average is 81.7%. The Titans are his sixth different team in seven campaigns.
It’s worth noting Slye is significantly younger than Folk. Slye turns 29 this year, whereas Folk is nearing his 41st birthday. Getting younger at kicker may have been a must-do for a rebuilding Titans franchise.
Fassel must believe he can fix Slye’s technique and accuracy. If so, the Titans will have an improved kicker with a monster leg. Consider Slye’s 2024 campaign as a litmus test for Fassel’s coaching ability.
