Offseason kicker investment may not derail Charlie Smyth

By Ross Jackson

This year’s incoming class of specialists is a talented one, particularly at kicker. The New Orleans Saints are expected to be active in the position’s market, likely following the draft itself. This follows a consistent trend that was recently broken with the signing of veteran punter Ryan Wright, one that has led the Saints to often investing in specialists in undrafted free agency.

However, this time may be much different than previous years. In recent signings, the Saints have brought in undrafted kickers and punters to compete for starting jobs. This year, the Saints’ incumbent kicker isn’t likely to be threatened.

The team invested in four consecutive undrafted starting punters until Wright and have had undrafted kickers since 2016 when now-Denver Broncos place kicker Wil Lutz took the job over from free agency acquisition Kai Forbath. Eventually, Blake Grupe, who now kicks for the Indianapolis Colts, would take over the job until last year when the Saints made the switch to International Pathway player Charlie Smyth of Ireland. 

Smyth took over the job partway through the 2026 season, kicking 75% over his six games. All four of his misses were from 40 or more yards out, including a pair of misses from 50-plus including a 61-yard attempt. He began his career with one of the longest debut field goal conversions in NFL history.

Irishman Charlie Smyth’s first career FG goes for 56 yds! 🇮🇪

📺: FOX | @NFLUKIRE pic.twitter.com/qmti6LNoIJ

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 30, 2025

Even though the Saints will likely add another kicker at some point this offseason, competition may be a mere byproduct of the effort. The core principle behind the addition could be to simply make sure that Smyth’s leg doesn’t get overworked throughout training camp. That’s a common practice among NFL teams, holding two kickers and punters allowing them to alternate days.

While this will inherently create some competitiveness between the players, Smyth’s job shouldn’t be seen as jeopardized unless he struggles and a genuine competition arises. 

Sources have indicated to LouisianaSports.Net that the team feels comfortable with Smyth’s performance with understanding that he still has development ahead of him. After all, he’s been kicking in the American Football sense for less than three years, still. 

One of the qualities that has stood out most about Smyth is his competitiveness. Whether battling with Grupe during training camp, kicking against controversial leg Justin Tucker during a tryout or matching up with LSU Football legend Cade York in a competition for the starting role, Smyth has impressed and often won out.

The next step for Smyth, who clearly has the leg, is making strides in his consistency. If he does that and shows it during camp this year, his job should be safe even if the Saints bring in another boot this offseason.