Charlie

Smyth

New Orleans signed Smyth to a three-year deal last December, so it’s a bit of a surprise to see him cut so soon. One of Tanner Brown or Daniel Carson will serve as the team’s kicker this season. An Irish native, Smyth joined the league as an International Pathway player, meaning the Saints can get a roster exemption for him if they choose to keep him on their practice squad.

It would appear that the winner of the kicking competition that took place in training camp between Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth is the man who wasn’t there. Carlson, who has remained unsigned since his contract with the Raiders expired at the end of last season, is now expected to take over as the Saints’ starting kicker for the season. Currently the 10th-most accurate kicker in NFL history, Carlson converted 22-of-27 field goal attempts last season, with three of his misses coming from 50-plus yards. Carlson still possesses one of the biggest legs in the league and should benefit from kicking in the friendly confines of the Superdome this season.

Smyth was busy in Sunday’s easy win over the Jets, as the Saints stalled out on three red zone possessions. Smyth has now made nine of his ten field goal tries over four games with the Saints and profiles as a decent Week 17 option against the Titans.

The kicker from Northern Ireland made his NFL debut just last month and now sticks with the Saints for the next three seasons. Smyth is 4-fo-5 in field goal attempts and has hit all five point after tries. The specifics of the contract are not yet available.

Smyth nailed a 56-yard field goal in his NFL debut in Week 13, and the product of Ireland will once again handle kicking duties for the Saints in Week 14 against the Buccaneers. His strong leg and New Orleans’ inability to complete drives makes him worthy of consideration for those who get added points for lengthier field goals.

Smyth joined the NFL through the International Player Pathway. Only 22 years old, he grew up watching American football but has an extensive soccer background as well. He only started practicing NFL kicks in August but has already been recorded making field goals from 60 yards out. Though Smyth is unlikely to replace Blake Grupe, the latter was a dismal 30-of-37 of his field goal tries in 2023. Smyth will at least give the Saints a way to challenge Grupe in camp.