The New Orleans Saints released kicker Charlie Smyth ahead of the regular NFL season, concluding a competitive pre-season roster battle for the specialist position, according to reports from BBC Sport and RTE.ie. Smyth, a former Gaelic footballer from Mayobridge in Northern Ireland who came through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP), converted 12 of 16 field goals and all 13 extra-point attempts as a starter during the previous season, as noted by BBC Sport.
Roster Battle and Pre-Season Decisions
The decision to waive Smyth follows a mixed pre-season performance and a three-way competition for the kicking job, according to RTE.ie. Alongside Smyth, the team evaluated former UFL standout Tanner Brown and veteran kicker Daniel Carlson during training camp.
In the team’s pre-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys, Carlson secured the position by converting two field goals, including a 53-yard game-winner in a 27-24 victory, while Smyth contributed one extra point, according to BBC Sport.
Future Outlook and International Exemption
Smyth’s departure from the active 53-man roster does not necessarily signal the end of his time with the franchise. According to BBC Sport, Smyth is a candidate to return to the organization via the International Player Pathway practice roster designation. Under league rules highlighted by RTE.ie, IPP players do not count against the standard 16-player practice squad limit, allowing teams to retain foreign-born talent without sacrificing roster flexibility.
Other NFL franchises also retain the opportunity to claim Smyth during the waiver window if they elect to add him to their active rosters, per BBC Sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the New Orleans Saints release Charlie Smyth?
The Saints waived Smyth after a three-way pre-season competition for the kicker position, with veteran Daniel Carlson emerging as the preferred choice following the team’s struggles with field goal efficiency last season, according to RTE.ie and BBC Sport.
Could Charlie Smyth return to the New Orleans Saints?
Yes. Because Smyth entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway program, he can be signed to the team’s practice squad without taking up one of the standard 16 practice squad roster spots, as reported by BBC Sport and RTE.ie.
What is Charlie Smyth’s athletic background?
Before transitioning to American football, Smyth played Gaelic football for Mayobridge in County Down, Northern Ireland, and has spent approximately three to four years playing American football, according to BBC Sport and RTE.ie.