Chad Ryland has been with Arizona since early in the 2024 season. Another Cardinals contract has now been worked out in his case. 
Ryland has agreed to a one-year deal, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports. He worked as the Cardinals’ kicker for 13 games in 2024 and did so again on a full-time basis the following season. Team and player worked out a two-year pact last time around, but this latest one will allow Ryland to compete for the kicking gig in 2026.
The former Patriots draftee only lasted one year in New England. After struggling during his rookie campaign, Ryland was waived by the Patriots. That was followed in short order by a Cardinals practice squad agreement, and he soon found himself on the active roster. Ryland connected on 28 of 32 field goal tries in 2024 with Arizona, including a perfect mark (four-for-four) from beyond 50 yards.
A drop in accuracy took place this past season. Ryland saw his FG mark drop to 75.8%, missing eight total attempts. Four of those came from beyond 50 yards, though, and expectations will remain high at least from close range moving forward. Ryland, 26, was on course for restricted free agency this spring. Instead of issuing a tender in this case, the Cardinals have opted to work out a one-year pact which will no doubt check in near the league minimum.
Joshua Karty signed with Arizona in December after his Rams tenure came to an end. Karty is likely on course to receive an exclusive rights free agent tender in the near future. That would set up a training camp competition with Ryland for the 2026 kicking role.