Saints sign K Charlie Smyth to active roster

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. – It’s been one of, if not the best story åcross the NFL all season, and the first chapter of the story is now complete.

The Saints have signed Irish-born kicker Charlie Smyth to the active roster.

While it was speculated upon all week, it’s now done! Congratulations to “The Man from Mayobridge” (to paraphrase @AlexJacquesF1!), @csmyth2601 on signing to the @Saints 53 with a new 3-year deal! LET’S GO! #ProStarFamily @NFLUKIRE @McQuaidNFL @TadhgLeader pic.twitter.com/Q47nEHBUZ9

— Paul Sheehy (@ProStarSports) December 19, 2025

Smyth took over as the team’s top kicker while still holding his International roster exemption on the practice squad. After exhausting all three of his standard elevations for game days, Smyth made the decision to add him to the active roster an easy one by sinking a 47-yard game-winner in his most recent game against the Carolina Panthers.

It’s been a long road for Smyth, crossing continents to go from teacher to NFL kicker in a matter of 27 months through the league’s International Player Pathway Program.

After almost two years on the practice squad, the dismissal of former kicker Blake Grupe, who was kind enough to call Smyth after his Week 15 game-winner, opened the door for Smyth to walk through with authority.

The story for the Mayobridge, Ireland native is far from done. But the first chapter of his tale is now complete after being added to the active roster, achieving a dream he set forth to attain.

Smyth is now 4/5 on regular season field goals, including a long of 56 yards for his debut kick, and 5/5 on extra point attempts. With three games remaining in the season, his goal is to continue giving Saints fans something to cheer about as 2025 comes to a close.

The corresponding move for the signing was to move wide receiver Devaughn Vele to injured reserve with his shoulder injury. Vele’s season is now over, but his game appearances, particularly late in the season, have generated a lot of optimism about his ability to contribute in the future.