The New England Patriots are facing a crisis at the kicker position after rookie Andres Borregales delivered a catastrophic performance in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins. The sixth-round draft pick, selected in April 2025, has quickly become a liability, missing two extra-point attempts in Sunday’s game, compounding his earlier struggles in his NFL debut where he missed one of three field goal attempts. With the Patriots’ kicking game in disarray, the front office is now forced to confront a harsh reality: their gamble on Borregales may have been a colossal misstep. The solution? A desperate call to a veteran kicker to stabilize a position that could derail New England’s season.
Borregales’ meltdown in Week 2 was nothing short of alarming. After showing inconsistency in his debut, the rookie’s failure to convert his first two extra-point attempts against the Dolphins left points on the board in a league where every point matters. For a team rebuilding around young quarterback Drake Maye, these miscues are more than just growing pains—they’re a direct threat to the team’s competitiveness. The Patriots’ offense, already navigating the challenges of a rookie quarterback, cannot afford to leave points on the field due to unreliable kicking.
Cutting a draft pick after just two games would be an unprecedented move for New England, but the front office may have no choice but to act swiftly. While parting ways with Borregales entirely might bruise the egos of the decision-makers who championed his selection, the team’s immediate need for reliability at the kicker position outweighs any concerns about optics. The question now is whether to bring in a veteran to compete with Borregales or to replace him outright.
|
Kickers |
Career FG% |
Career 50+ FG% |
XP% |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dustin Hopkins |
241/278 (84%) |
27/46 (58.6%) |
262/280 (93.6%) |
|
Michael Badgley |
98/119 (82.4%) |
5/13 (38.4%) |
168/175 (96%) |
|
Austin Seibert |
72/86 (83.7%) |
4/11 (36.3%) |
78/86 (90.7%) |
|
Greg Joseph |
116/141 (82.3%) |
17/30 (56.6%) |
157/173 (90.8%) |
With former training camp kicker Parker Romo unavailable—now starting for the Atlanta Falcons—the Patriots must turn to the free-agent market to address their kicking woes. Fortunately, several proven veterans are still available, each offering a potential upgrade over Borregales’ early struggles. Among the top options are Dustin Hopkins, Michael Badgley, Austin Seibert, and Greg Joseph, all of whom bring experience and track records that could stabilize New England’s special teams.
Dustin Hopkins stands out as a prime candidate. With a career field goal percentage of 84% (241/278) and an impressive 93.6% (262/280) on extra points, Hopkins has a proven track record. His 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns was rocky—66.7% on field goals and 85.0% on extra points—leading to his release, but a change of scenery has revitalized kickers before. Hopkins’ ability to handle long-distance kicks (58.6% on 50+ yard attempts) makes him an appealing option for a Patriots team that needs a reliable leg in high-pressure situations.
Austin Seibert is another compelling choice. In 2024, Seibert showcased his reliability with the Washington Commanders, converting 27 of 30 field goals (90%) and missing only two extra points across nine games. His career stats—83.7% on field goals and 90.7% on extra points—suggest he could provide the consistency New England desperately needs. Seibert’s recent performance indicates he’s ready to step into a starting role, making him a strong candidate to push or replace Borregales.
Michael Badgley and Greg Joseph also merit consideration. Badgley boasts a 96% career extra-point percentage (168/175), though his field goal accuracy (82.4%) and long-distance struggles (38.4% on 50+ yards) are less impressive. Greg Joseph, meanwhile, offers a balanced resume with an 82.3% field goal percentage and a 90.8% extra-point success rate. His 56.6% success rate on 50+ yard attempts adds a dimension of versatility that could benefit the Patriots in critical moments.
The Patriots’ kicking woes come at a pivotal time for the franchise. With Drake Maye leading the offense as the team’s franchise quarterback, every game is an opportunity to build his confidence and establish a winning culture. A reliable kicker is essential to ensure that Maye’s efforts in the red zone translate into points. When the offense scores a touchdown, Maye and the team need to trust that the extra point is a given—not a gamble. Borregales’ inconsistencies undermine that trust, putting unnecessary pressure on a young quarterback and a rebuilding roster.
Pursuing a veteran kicker would be an admission that the Patriots’ front office misjudged Borregales’ readiness for the NFL. While this might sting for head coach Mike Vrabel and the team’s decision-makers, the priority must be the team’s success. The NFL is unforgiving, and leaving points on the board can turn winnable games into costly losses. If Borregales cannot deliver, the Patriots must act decisively to avoid letting a fixable problem spiral into a season-defining issue.
The Patriots’ next steps are clear: they must bring in a veteran kicker to compete with Borregales, if not replace him outright. Dustin Hopkins and Austin Seibert stand out as the top candidates, with Hopkins’ big leg and Seibert’s recent reliability offering immediate solutions. The front office cannot afford to let pride stand in the way of progress. As New England looks to build a foundation for the future with Drake Maye at the helm, securing a dependable kicker is a non-negotiable step toward turning the Patriots’ worst fear—a season derailed by special teams—into a distant memory.