Saints’ kicker decision looms as Dolphins game approaches

By Ross Jackson

After an eventful week at kicker for the New Orleans Saints, the biggest uncertainty will soon be resolved. After allowing kicker Cade York and Charlie Smyth to compete in practice on Thursday, the Saints will soon select which leg replaces departed kicker Blake Grupe. 

Special teams coordinator Phil Galiano spoke with local media following the practice in which York and Smyth competed and shared a brief update. 

“I can share the results that they both kicked the ball really well, and it’s making the decision really difficult,” Galiano said. “We haven’t made a final decision yet. But both guys did a really good job today kicking.”

The Saints’ decision may become clear as soon as Friday, however waiting until Saturday is an option as well. New Orleans could wait until they must announce practice squad elevations, which is where both kickers are currently rostered, on Saturday. 

With six games left and a pair of kickers, the team could elevate each kicker for their maximum three game elevations without giving up a roster spot on the 53-man roster. Elevating Smyth will not compromise his roster exemption as an International Pathway Player. 

Practically speaking, whichever kicker is chosen to kick against the Miami Dolphins in Week 13 may not be the same kicker in the field against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18. Even alternative kickers week-by-week could be an option, veering from either path if either kicker hits a hot streak. 

While Smyth has been on the practice squad since the beginning of 2024, Galiano highlights that the kicker from Ireland is still developing. 

“His first year was truly, strictly developmental,” he said. “From a talented leg that had no idea what he was doing to ‘let’s see what we can develop him into.’ … I think making sure that he is ready for that experience of where we’re at right now is why we wanted him part of the workout and why you wanted to bring another guy in here. Just to give us an option.”

Galiano said he was proud of Smyth’s development and how he has handled this experience. He and York kicked in Thursday, both field goals and kickoffs, to vie for their right to be the next starting kicker. Head coach Kellen Moore may announce which leg is first up on Friday afternoon. But otherwise, Saturday’s roster elevations may be the first announcement.