Who Should I Start? Parker Romo or Ryan Fitzgerald

Monday, January 6, 9:50 PM

New England Patriots kicker John Parker Romo has signed a reserve/future deal with the organization on Monday. Romo joined the Pats practice squad in December after a stint with the Minnesota Vikings. Romo filled in for the injured Will Reichard for four games in Minnesota this season. He converted 11-of-12 field goal attempts and 7-of-8 extra point attempts in his time with the team. Current Pats' kicker Joey Slye made only 79 percent of his field goal attempts this season. Romo should get a legitimate shot at the kicking job in New England heading into next season.

Tuesday, June 17, 2:34 PM

The Carolina Panthers' kicking competition is on between veteran Matthew Wright and rookie Ryan Fitzgerald, and Joe Person of The Athletic believes the youngster has the leg up so far this offseason. Fitzgerald went unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft and was picked up by Carolina shortly after. Over his final two seasons at Florida State, he connected on 32 of his 34 field goal attempts and all 72 extra point tries. He did not miss any of his 18 total kicks a season ago. In his first NFL offseason, he continues to find success. "[Dave] Canales said it's too soon to name a leader in the kicking competition, but Fitzgerald appears to have the edge on veteran Matthew Wright, based on how each looked during the practices open to the media," Person wrote. "After a tough first week in rainy and windy conditions, Fitzgerald was 9-for-10 on field goals on the skinny goal posts over the next two practices with reporters present." If Carolina's offense takes a big step forward under third-year quarterback Bryce Young, the team's starting kicker could have solid fantasy football value.