Saints plan to add Charlie Smyth to active roster

By Ross Jackson

As expected, it appears kicker and Mayobridge, Ireland native Charlie Smyth has earned the New Orleans Saints’ kicker role.

When asked if the Saints planned to add Smyth to the active roster after using his final elevation in the thrilling Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers, head coach Kellen Moore had a simple answer ready to go.

“Yeah,” the coach said.

Short, sweet and to the point. But that’s all that was really needed after Smyth’s performance on Sunday. He drilled a 47-yard game-winning field goal against the Panthers that was a solidifying moment in his three-game audition.

It was already believed that he would indeed become the team’s starting role for the remainder of the season and likely going into 2026, though training camp competition at kicker is routine. Now, the move is for certain. 

When the move will take place remains up in the air, but the Saints have no need to rush. With injuries piling up and having already ruled out the team’s top available running back in rookie Devin Neal along with wide receiver Devaughn Vele, maintaining roster flexibility with Smyth’s International player exemption is worth maximizing. 

Sure, teams could try to poach the kicker off of the practice squad, but such a thing being successful is unlikely. The signing team would be forced to place him on their active roster, and Smyth would have to agree to the deal. If his postgame press conference is any indication, leaving New Orleans isn’t in the cards for the Irishman anytime soon.

“I’m still on the practice squad, so I want to be a part of this team,” he said after his heroic game-winning kick. “I want to play here. I love it here. It nearly feels like home here. I feel like I’ve got two homes now in New Orleans and Mayobridge.”

Just about 27 months ago, Smyth was teaching English in Ireland and was preparing to undergo studies toward a Master’s Degree in Belfast, Ireland. After a long and remarkable path, he’s now realized his dream as an NFL kicker, a role he’s earned every step of the way. The finish touches of his incredible journey take place this week, once added to the active roster.