Saints activate Northern Ireland native Charlie Smyth as their new kicker vs. Miami

By Canadian Press on November 29, 2025.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints have decided to let Charlie Smyth, a former Gaelic football player from Northern Ireland, take over place kicking and kickoff duties on Sunday in Miami, when he will make his NFL regular-season debut.

Smyth, who came to the Saints in 2024 as part of the NFL’s International Pathways Program, replaces Blake Grupe, who was cut on Tuesday after his two missed field goal attempts last Sunday raised his total of misses to eight.

Smyth kicked in the preseason, hitting all four attempts, including two from 50-plus yards.

This past week, the Saints signed former LSU kicker Cade York, who has previously played in the NFL for Cincinnati, Washington and Cleveland, to their practice squad.

The team then evaluated York and Smyth throughout the week before deciding on Saturday to move Smyth to the active roster.

The Saints also elevated receiver Dante Pettis from the practice squad to the active roster.

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The Associated Press