4 kickers the Carolina Panthers should consider in 2022 free agency

Carolina Panthers could bring back Joey Slye

Fans will easily remember Joey Slye, as he was one of the franchise’s strongest kickers of all time. His leg strength seemed unmatched, but his accuracy would not be consistent.

This leg strength was a reason that he got the chance to break the NFL’s kicking record against the Kansas City Cheifs in 2020. That same season he was given another opportunity to do the same at the New Orleans Saints, but he was inches too short and confidence slowly waned in the player over his final few weeks with the Carolina Panthers.

Slye spent two seasons in Carolina before he was released. His time with the Panthers ended after many kicking inconsistencies during the preseason.

Even after being cut, Slye did manage to find playing time for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and the Washington Commanders last season. Whether he’s done enough to earn an extended stay is another matter.

Following the 2021 season, Slye finished with a career-best in kicking percentage with 90. But he also ended the campaign with a career-low in extra-point attempts made.

However, Slye did manage to finish his last six games in Washington with a 90 percent success rate when it came to extra-point attempts. He also did not miss a field goal in those games.

Slye may be a long shot since he has a history with Ron Rivera, but he still remains an option for the Panthers to pursue if he’s improved.