The New England Patriots’ decision to pin their kicking hopes on sixth-round rookie Andy Borregales is unraveling fast, and the fallout is sending shockwaves through the organization. Fans, analysts, and even some within the team are questioning the front office’s choice to bank on an unproven 22-year-old over more experienced options, especially after recent developments in the NFL kicking landscape.
In Week 1 of the 2025 season, Borregales stepped onto the field for his first career field goal attempt against the Las Vegas Raiders. The sight of his smeared eye black and jersey No. 36 didn’t inspire confidence, and his miss from 40 yards only deepened the unease. While he salvaged the day with successful kicks from 35 and 44 yards, the early miss highlighted the gamble the Patriots took in letting veteran Joey Slye walk in free agency and drafting Borregales instead.
The decision to move on from Slye, who went 4-for-4 for the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, was already a sore point for fans. But the situation took a turn for the worse with news from the NFC South. The Atlanta Falcons signed journeyman kicker John Parker Romo to their practice squad on September 9, 2025, following Younghoe Koo’s critical 44-yard miss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Romo, who spent training camp with the Patriots and outshined Borregales with a 57-yard field goal in the preseason opener at Gillette Stadium, now represents a missed opportunity for New England.
Romo’s performance in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings—where he nailed 11 of 12 field goal attempts in four games—proved he’s capable of handling NFL pressure. His strong showing in New England’s training camp only reinforced that. Yet, the Patriots opted to stick with their rookie draft pick, a choice that hasn’t paid off so far. Borregales didn’t win the job outright in camp, and his shaky start in the regular season has left the team without a reliable fallback option.
The Patriots’ front office is now under fire for its handling of the kicking situation. Fans are frustrated, pointing to the team’s offensive struggles as reason enough to avoid gambling on an untested kicker. A bad football team that can’t score points can’t afford to lose games due to missed field goals, and Borregales’ inconsistency could prove costly in close contests. The organization’s decision to prioritize draft capital over proven talent has left them vulnerable, and the ripple effects are being felt across Foxboro.
There’s still a chance for the Patriots to course-correct. Since Romo is on Atlanta’s practice squad, New England could sign him to their active roster if Borregales continues to falter. The Falcons’ move seems more like a wake-up call for Koo than a permanent shift, meaning Romo could still be available. But the clock is ticking. If the Patriots don’t act soon, they risk losing Romo to another team—or worse, sticking with a rookie who might not be ready for the NFL stage.
For now, New England is strapped into the rollercoaster of Borregales’ development. Every time he trots onto the field, fans will hold their breath, and the organization will feel the weight of its controversial call. The decision to bet on a rookie has already sparked doubt, and without a quick fix, it could unravel the team’s season entirely.