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.
Darragh Ó Sé: Rian O’Neill being back for Armagh is good news for everyone, especially Rian O’Neill
Gordon D’Arcy: The greatest danger to Leinster could come from within
Katie McCabe’s story: How gifted Dubliner reached top level of European soccer
Ken Early: Emi Martínez commits one of the most expensive mistakes in Villa’s history
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.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis