Down native Charlie Smyth is set to sign a new two-year deal with NFL side the New Orleans Saints.
Smyth has spent the season on the practice squad in New Orleans. Despite not gaining any game-time, the kicker’s efforts and development have not gone unnoticed, with Pro Football Ireland reporting the Mayobridge man is set to remain with the franchise.
Smyth – who initially worked with Tadhg Leader in the International Player Pathway programme – impressed in the NFL Combine last year and was picked up by the Saints in March.
The former Down under-20 goalkeeper did not make the Saints’ roster for the season but was kept on the practice roster, where he has worked on honing his kicking game.
Blake Grupe (26) has been the kicker for the Saints during the 2024-25 season and improved his numbers during the recent campaign – moving from the 25th to 13th-ranked kicker in the league in terms of accuracy with a return of 87.1 per cent on field goals.
The Saints endured a difficult season, finishing bottom of the NFC South with a 5-12 record.
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