New kicker’s strength is “consistency…”

JACKSONVILLE – Riley Patterson is the Jaguars’ new kicker for multiple reasons.

Special teams coordinator Heath Farwell discussed those reasons Wednesday afternoon. He mentioned leg strength. And accuracy. But Farwell emphasized something else.

“It’s consistency,” Farwell said. “He’s done it. He had a great year last year.”

Patterson, a second-year veteran who made 14 of 15 field goals last season for the Detroit Lions, was waived by the Lions Tuesday and officially claimed off waivers by the Jaguars Wednesday. The Jaguars on Wednesday also announced they had waived kickers James McCourt and Jake Verity.

Because the Jaguars are No. 1 on the waiver list, they are assured of getting the rights to any players they claim in the waivers process.

“We had been watching several kicker battles, as well as other positions,” Farwell said. “Riley’s a guy we had targeted for a while. He was a guy we were hoping would come available. We were fortunate he did. We’re excited to have him.”

Patterson made both of his 2022 preseason field-goal attempts – from 27 and 28 yards. He played seven games for the Lions last season.

“When you study the tape, the ball comes off his foot very consistently every single time,” Farwell said. “It’s very clean coming off his foot. He’s done it at this level. Jake and James can kick in the NFL. Right now, Riley gives us the best chance to win.”

Patterson became the Jaguars’ sixth kicker since 2022 Training Camp began. The others: Rookie Andrew Mevis, Ryan Santoso, Elliott Fry, McCourt and Verity. McCourt made both field-goal attempts in the preseason finale against Atlanta and Verity missed his lone attempt.

“Both of those guys did a really good job for us,” Farwell said. “That being said, part of our job getting this roster as good as we can is to evaluate other rosters and to see what’s best available and to figure out if we can upgrade our roster in any way.

“Right now, it’s about getting the roster better, so we had to make several moves. That’s a…