Known to be on the lookout for a change at the kicker position, the Commanders have a pair of moves in place. Washington is trading for Cade York, sending the Browns a conditional seventh-round pick, SI’s Albert Breer reports. 
In a corresponding move, the Commanders have released Riley Patterson. That leaves York as the only kicker on Washington’s roster with the start of the regular season looming. The 2022 Browns draftee connected on 75% of his field goal attempts during his rookie season, suggesting he could remain in place over the long term. Struggles last offseason led Cleveland to bring in Dustin Hopkins as competition, however, and the veteran handled kicking duties in 2023.
Hopkins exceled during his debut Browns campaign, and he landed a three-year, $15.3MM extension last month. Cleveland wanted to keep York in the fold last year, and the team’s decision to bring him back this offseason proved that was still the case. Instead of risking the former fourth-rounder on waivers again, though, the Browns have elected to take back minimal draft compensation while moving forward with only Hopkins in place for the time being.
The Commanders had Brandon McManus in the fold earlier this offseason, but allegations of sexual assault made in a civil suit dating back to his time with the Jaguars led to Washington releasing him. That move was followed by the signing of Ramiz Ahmed, who entered training camp as the lone kicker on the roster. Patterson was claimed off waivers at the end of July, though, which led to Ahmed’s release.
Patterson, 24, has seen game action with three teams in his brief NFL career despite going 53-for-59 on field goals to date. He struggled in the Commanders’ first two preseason contests, however, leading head coach Dan Quinn to state another move was being targeted. With one more exhibition contest on the slate, York will have a small window of opportunity to earn the Week 1 gig.
The LSU alum spent time on the Titans’ and Giants’ practice squads last year, but he was not used in the regular season. York’s return to Cleveland has proven to be short-lived, but this Commanders deal will allow him to find a full-time position for the 2024 campaign provided he does not disappoint in the build-up to the season. If he does, Washington’s willingness to move on from kickers quickly would make another change at the position a distinct possibility.
Wow, I forgot about Cade York. Yet another example of why you shouldn’t bother to draft kickers, especially above the late rounds.
@oooof not worth it, when you can find a undrafted one. Dicker was on four teams in 2022 wasn’t bad hitting game winners and chargers were able to get him, and he might be the most accurate kicker.
Yep. Tucker was a UDFA, Butker was a 7th rounder who got cut and plucked off a practice squad. Kickers just aren’t that predictable, and best case scenario, you’re just getting a kicker. Meanwhile, a bunch of starters or useful rotational players were available when York was picked.
@oooof yeah I agree, and 4th round is usually where most teams hit on a starter not a flashy player, but a solid player for 3-5 years. The problem with kickers is the mental aspect you can’t judge some guys just fold under pressure.
“Kickers are like taxi cabs. You can always go out and hire another one.”
I wonder how much the new kick-off rules might have factored in. It’s one thing to kick 56 yard field goals, and another to land a kick properly to avoid letting the other team consistently start at the 40 yard line.
Riley Patterson’s NFL Journey:
Patriots
Lions
Jaguars
Lions
Browns
Jaguars
Commanders
-Available
It might be the Lion’s turn to put him on a practice squad.
The week 5 schedule just got a bit more interesting. You just know the matchup between these teams will be decided by York either hitting or whiffing on a last second FG attempt…lol.
Cade York will do. This is a good trade, particularly as the 7th rounder is conditional.