Should Patriots sign Matt Bryant after kicker's release from Falcons?

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The New England Patriots have struggled uncharacteristically in the kicking game this season.

Is Matt Bryant the cure for what ails them?

The veteran kicker is on the market after the Atlanta Falcons released him Tuesday, signing former Patriots practice squad kicker Younghoe Koo in his stead.

The Patriots, meanwhile, reportedly are releasing kicker Mike Nugent, who missed two field goals Sunday against the Cleveland Browns (from 29 and 34 yards, no less) and now is 5-for-8 in New England.

But would a 44-year-old making 64.3 percent of his kicks (Bryant) be that much of an upgrade from 37-year-old making 62.5 percent of his kicks (Nugent)?

Bryant's 9-for-14 campaign in 2019 also includes one missed PAT. We should add that Bryant has played six of his seven games indoors, while Nugent battled the elements in Foxboro last Sunday.

How does Bryant fare outdoors? The veteran has only played 52.9 of his career games in non-domed stadiums, kicking field goals at an 83.7 percent clip compared to 87.6 percent in domes and retractable-roof stadiums.

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He's also 0-for-2 in his career at Gillette Stadium, for what it's worth.

Bryant is the most experienced kicker on the market, and that experience may convince head coach Bill Belichick to sign him. But if Bryant comes to New England, don't expect much of an upgrade.

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