Former Detroit Lions kicker Riley Patterson joins a new team.
Kicker Riley Patterson has secured a new opportunity, with the Cleveland Browns announcing on December 25 that they have signed the experienced kicker to their practice squad.
Less than a week after being released by the Detroit Lions, Patterson found a spot with the Browns. The move came shortly after fellow veteran Michael Badgley took over kicking duties for Detroit in the last two games.
Cleveland had been enjoying strong performances from kicker Dustin Hopkins throughout the season. However, Hopkins sustained a hamstring injury in Week 16 against the Houston Texans.
Facing a quick turnaround in Week 17 against the New York Jets on December 28, the Browns acted swiftly in bringing Patterson onto their practice squad.
Patterson has demonstrated an improved field-goal percentage this season compared to his performance last year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, he has encountered challenges with extra-point attempts, missing two out of three in two of his last three games with Detroit.
Following a 1-for-2 performance on extra points in Week 14, the Lions elevated Badgley for the Week 15 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Patterson’s release came in the subsequent week when the Lions activated rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker from injured reserve, necessitating a decision at kicker.
Despite Patterson’s recent release, he might see playing time again this season, given that Hopkins was unable to practice on December 25 and 26 due to a left hamstring issue.
In the current season, Patterson boasts a 88.2% success rate on field-goal attempts (15 of 17) and a 94.6% success rate on extra points (35 of 37). In his 2022 stint with the Jaguars, he achieved an 85.7% field-goal success rate and a 97.3% success rate on extra points.
Patterson initially made his NFL debut with the Lions in 2021, going 13-for-14 on field goals and a perfect 16-for-16 on extra points in seven contests.
Meanwhile, Michael Badgley, who debuted for the Lions in the 2023 season, had a flawless start with six successful extra points against the Broncos in Week 15. However, in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, he went 3-for-4 on extra points, despite making his sole field-goal attempt from 37 yards.
Although Badgley’s missed extra point almost proved costly, the Lions secured a 30-24 victory, clinching their first-ever NFC North title. Despite the division title, Badgley’s kicking performance remains under scrutiny. In his 62-game NFL career, he has a field-goal success rate of 81.9% and an extra-point success rate of 96.5%.
