Skip to main content

Commanders acquire kicker Cade York from Browns in trade, release Riley Patterson

Washington has changed kickers ahead of its preseason finale.

The Commanders acquired Cade York from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday, per a source informed of the situation.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated first reported the news.

In a corresponding move, the club announced it released Riley Patterson. Washington also signed safety Sheldrick Redwine.

The Commanders have been a revolving door at the kicker position this offseason. Washington signed Patterson this summer following the release of Brandon McManus, stemming from sexual assault allegations. Patterson had been the only kicker on the roster, but new head coach Dan Quinn made it clear that the club was considering bringing in competition after two missed field goals this weekend.

In steps York. Out goes Patterson.

The former fourth-round pick by Cleveland in 2022, York made a splash off the bat, nailing a game-winning 58-yard field goal in his first game. However, he struggled with consistency thereafter. The Browns cut York in favor of Dustin Hopkins last offseason. York bounced from Tennessee's practice squad to the New York Giants' active roster and practice squad. He was placed on injured reserve late last season with a quad injury.

Cleveland brought him back in March, but after inking Hopkins to a contract extension this offseason, it was clear that York would be little more than a camp leg and insurance.

During the preseason, York has made all four of his attempts, two field goals -- including a 55-yarder -- and two PATs. However, he's had four touchbacks on six attempts in the new kickoff format.

With York currently the only kicker on the roster, he’ll have one preseason game to impress his new bosses.