Garrett

Hartley

Free agent John Kasay was strong as an injury replacement in 2011, but it doesn’t appear that the Saints will bring him back unless the 25-year-old Hartley struggles. Hartley has nailed 42 of his 49 (86%) career field goal attempts.

Garrett Hartley proved his health, which meant Kasay never had a chance. Hartley is 17 years younger and has four years left on his contract. He’ll be a strong fantasy kicking option for fantasy owners.

Fully recovered from last year’s hip injury, Hartley was “booting field goals with authority” in spring practices. The Saints have stayed with Hartley and his strong, accurate leg through several ups and downs. It’s hard to imagine the 42-year-old Kasay winning out unless Hartley gets a case of the “yips” in preseason action.

Kasay’s April re-signing was viewed as insurance after Hartley missed all of 2011 with a hip injury, but special teams coordinator Greg McMahon insists there will be an “open competition.” Our money is on Hartley, who is 17 years Kasay’s junior. The winner should be one of fantasy football’s most valuable kickers.

Hartley proved his health by going 6-of-7 in preseason games. He’ll be a fantasy kicker to target thanks to the Saints’ explosive offense and the friendly confines of the Superdome. In 27 career games with New Orleans, Hartley has made 42 total field goals and gone 10-of-11 from 40-49 yards out.

Veteran John Kasay was signed just in case Hartley wasn’t fully recovered from his 2011 hip injury. Hartley is 17 years younger, has four years left on his contract and has kicked well in practices, while Kasay has missed 2-of-4 preseason field goal attempts. Hartley is 1-for-1. The Superdome and the Saints’ explosive offense make Hartley a strong fantasy kicking option.

The Saints want Hartley to earn the job in training-camp competition, but he’ll likely be given the benefit of the doubt as long as he manages to keep it close. Hartley has a stronger leg and youth on his side.

McMahon said Hartley is reacting well to the misses. The Saints have yet to discuss bringing back veteran Jon Kasay as competition for Hartley.

Hartley’s recovery timetable had him on pace for a post-Halloween return. John Kasay has yet to miss a kick, so the Saints may have decided it was too much of luxury to carry two kickers for another 4-5 weeks. The organization remains high on Hartley’s future, so he’ll almost certainly be back as the primary kicker in 2012.

Hartley made 18-of-22 field goals and all 57 extra point opportunities in 2012, a year after missing the entire season with a hip injury. He beat out veteran John Kasay for kicking duties in training camp. Hartley has three years left on his contract.