Arizona Cardinals K Chad Ryland has something to prove in 2026

The Arizona Cardinals are in the final phase of their offseason program with OTAs. It is still voluntary, but it is the first offense vs. defense action. There is actual competition now, as they can go 7-on-7 or 11-on-11.

Some players enter this year with something extra to prove because of how the roster looks right now.

One such player is kicker Chad Ryland.

Chad Ryland has something to prove

Kickers almost always have to prove themselves each year, at least those who aren't highly paid veterans. Ryland is not there yet. He was great in 2024 but was less consistent last season.

He missed eight field goals, going 25-for-33. He had at least one missed field goal in five straight games in which he attempted at least one in the second half of the season.

Now he did go through multiple holders, as punter Blake Gillikin didn't play after Week 5 and the Cardinals employed both Pat O'Donnell and Matt Haack after that.

But the Cardinals also signed former LA Rams kicker Joshua Karty.

Karty struggled, too, but he didn't get a chance to play for the Cardinals after he was signed.

Ryland has competition. He will need to show more consistency if he is going to win the job.

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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals K Chad Ryland has something to prove in 2026