New Orleans Saints Waive Kicker Charlie Smyth

Kicker Charlie Smyth was waived by the New Orleans Saints on August 26, 2024, a move that precedes the commencement of the new National Football League season. This decision stems from a competitive kicking competition held during the team's training camp, where Smyth ultimately lost out to incumbent kicker Dan Carlson. The Saints organization, a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, made the announcement as part of their roster finalization process for the 2024 NFL season. Waivering a player means they are released from the team's roster, and other teams have an opportunity to claim them. If unclaimed, Smyth would become a free agent. The competition between Smyth and Carlson was a key storyline for the Saints' special teams unit during the preseason. Carlson, who has been with the Saints since 2019, has established himself as a reliable kicker for the team. Smyth, an undrafted free agent signed by the Saints in May 2024, was vying for a spot on the 53-man roster. His performance in training camp and preseason games was evaluated against Carlson's, with the coaching staff ultimately opting to retain Carlson. The NFL mandates that teams reduce their rosters to 53 players by 4:00 p.m. ET on the day before the regular season begins. The Saints' decision to waive Smyth indicates that they believe Carlson offers a greater assurance of success in the kicking game for the upcoming season. This move is a common occurrence in professional sports as teams refine their rosters to optimize performance and manage salary cap implications. The specific details of Smyth's contract and any potential financial implications for the Saints were not disclosed in the initial announcement. The NFL season typically begins in early September, and teams often make significant roster adjustments in the weeks leading up to the opener. The Saints are part of the NFC South division and will be looking to improve upon their performance from the previous season. The performance of the kicking game is often crucial in close NFL contests, making the decision between two kickers a significant one for any coaching staff. Smyth's future in the league will depend on whether another team claims him off waivers or if he signs with another team as a free agent.