The New England Patriots’ kicker competition remains tight, and special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer has stressed that draft status will have no impact on the final decision.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re drafted or undrafted or if we picked you up in free agency,” Springer said, as transcribed by Tom Carroll of WEEI Monday. “If you earn a role through consistency, showing up every day, that’s the guy that’s gonna win the job.”
That approach puts rookie Andres Borregales and veteran Parker Romo on equal footing despite their different paths to New England.
Borregales entered camp as a sixth-round pick and the first kicker selected in April’s draft. Romo, who joined the Patriots’ practice squad late last season, has worked through multiple NFL teams and the XFL before making his debut with the Vikings in 2024.
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Their connection began at a Florida kicking camp when Borregales was still in high school, adding an unusual layer to this year’s battle.
“The first time Parker Romo and Andres Borregales crossed paths, Romo was offering advice as his camp instructor,” wrote Matty Wasserman of the Boston Globe.
The two are vying to replace Joey Slye, who made 26 of 33 field goals for New England in 2024 before signing with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Both have been nearly flawless in camp, hitting from 54 yards and matching each other in pressure kick simulations.
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With their first preseason action now behind them, Borregales and Romo will continue splitting opportunities in practice and games.
Springer’s stance leaves no doubt — the starting job will belong to the kicker who proves most consistent and reliable as camp winds toward the regular season.
