Saints release kicker Smyth after losing roster battle, but NFL path remains open
Charlie Smyth, a former Gaelic footballer from Northern Ireland, has been released by the New Orleans Saints following a pre-season kicking competition. The 25-year-old made 12 of 16 field goals last season but was beaten out by two-time All-Pro Daniel Carlson. Smyth could still continue his NFL career through the practice squad or with another team thanks to his international player pathway status.
Smyth’s release follows a competitive preseason in which he converted one extra point against Dallas, while Carlson hit two field goals, including a 53-yard game-winner. Smyth had earlier missed a 52-yard attempt against Jacksonville, and Tanner Brown also struggled, missing a 39-yarder versus the Rams. Carlson, a seven-season veteran with two All-Pro selections, joined the Saints after those early preseason games. Smyth’s 12-of-16 field goal performance last season and perfect extra-point record as a starter highlight his potential, but the team opted for experience. His international pathway status means he can be added to a practice squad without counting toward the 16-player limit, and other clubs may claim him before Monday’s 17:00 BST deadline.
This roster move may affect Smyth’s personal career trajectory, but its wider impact is limited to NFL team depth and international recruitment optics. For aspiring players from non-traditional football backgrounds, his continued availability on practice squads could signal that pathway opportunities remain viable, even after a setback. Fans in Northern Ireland may follow his next step, but the decision itself carries no broader societal consequences beyond reinforcing the league’s competitive, merit-based nature.