The Carolina Panthers trade for New York Giants kicker Ryan Santoso

The Carolina Panthers have made another trade before the 53-man roster cut. The Panthers have traded away a seventh-round pick, originally from Tennessee, for punter Ryan Santoso from the New York Giants. This is their second trade in as many days. Carolina traded away Denzel Perryman to the Raiders on Aug 25.

The seventh-round pick Carolina gave up is conditional. It will be the higher pick between the Titans and Patriots, but the condition attached is Santoso must play in at least two games for the Panthers.

Panthers kicking competition

Santoso is being brought in to compete with Joey Slye for the placekicking responsibilities. The Panthers said recently that Slye was going through a “slump” during training camp. Santoso is a big guy, especially for the kicker position. He is listed at six-foot-five 260 pounds. In New York, he was up against veteran kicker Graham Gano for the starting job. Although Santoso stood out in the Giants mini-camp; he was unable to beat out Gano for the starting job.

The Panthers brought in Dominik Eberle just two days before, to challenge for the starting kicker position. However, shortly after this trade, he was waived by Carolina.

The Panther’s incumbent kicker Joey Slye struggled last season. He was 29 of 36 on field goals attempts in 2020. Five of his misses came from the 50-plus yard range. Against the Ravens, in their most recent preseason game, he was one of two on field-goal attempts and has missed from 37 and 63 yards this preseason. Reports from camp say that he has struggled in practice as well. Head coach Matt Rhule has noted that Slye has been in a “lull.”

Santoso, in the preseason, has not gotten very many opportunities to show off his leg. In the two preseason games the Giants have played, they have scored just three touchdowns and attempted zero field goals. However, he is a perfect two for two in his extra-point attempts.

Santoso career

Originally an undrafted free agent, Santoso started his career with the Detroit Lions. In college, he attended the University of Minnesota, where he handled both kicking and punting duties. After being waived by the Lions Santoso would bounce around the CFL and NFL. He had stints with the Montreal Alouettes, Tennessee Titans, and most recently the New York Giants. For his career, he has yet to attempt a field goal or punt in a regular-season NFL game. However, he has nine placekicking touchbacks, all came during his time with the Titans.

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