Charlie Smyth Waived by New Orleans Saints After Kicking Competition

Charlie Smyth’s Departure from New Orleans

The New Orleans Saints announced the release of veteran placekicker Charlie Smyth as part of the final roster cuts ahead of the 2024 NFL season. The move came after a closely contested preseason where Smyth and rookie Dan Carlson vied for the starting kicker role.

Background on Charlie Smyth

Charlie Smyth entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Over six seasons, he logged more than 250 field‑goal attempts, converting roughly 80 percent of them. His most productive year came in 2021 when he posted a career‑high 88 percent success rate, including a 55‑yard field goal that tied a franchise record.

Smyth’s tenure with the Saints began in 2022 after a trade from the Carolina Panthers. In New Orleans, he proved reliable in high‑pressure situations, nailing a game‑winning field goal in a 2023 Week 5 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks.

2024 Saints Preseason Kicker Battle

During the 2024 training camp, head coach Dennis Allen invited both Smyth and Carlson to compete for the sole kicking slot. The coaching staff emphasized consistency, distance, and kickoff coverage as key evaluation criteria.

Performance Metrics

• Field‑goal accuracy: Smyth 78 percent, Carlson 81 percent in preseason games.
• Longest successful attempt: Smyth 53 yards, Carlson 51 yards.
• Kickoff touchback rate: Smyth 62 percent, Carlson 68 percent.

Both kickers displayed solid technique, but Carlson’s slightly higher accuracy and better kickoff depth swayed the decision.

Coaching Perspective

Assistant special teams coach explained that the margin between the two players was narrow. He added that the Saints prioritized a younger leg with upside for future contracts.

Why Dan Carlson Earned the Spot

Dan Carlson entered the league as a 2023 undrafted rookie from the University of Texas. His college career featured a 84 percent field‑goal conversion rate and a reputation for delivering under pressure. In the preseason, Carlson demonstrated a smooth approach, quick release, and the ability to generate high hang time on kickoffs.

The Saints also considered salary cap implications. Carlson’s rookie contract offers more flexibility compared with Smyth’s veteran deal, allowing the team to allocate resources to other positions.

Implications for the Saints Roster

Releasing Smyth opens a roster spot for a defensive depth player, a move the Saints have been eyeing throughout the offseason. The team is expected to add a backup safety or a versatile linebacker to bolster special‑teams coverage.

Special teams coordinator discussed the strategic shift during a recent press conference, noting that the new kicking unit will focus on generating more touchbacks to limit opponent return opportunities.

What’s Next for Charlie Smyth

At 30 years old, Smyth remains a free agent with a proven track record. Analysts predict that he could receive interest from teams dealing with injuries at the kicker position or those seeking a veteran presence in the locker room.

His agent released a statement indicating that Smyth is staying in shape and remains open to short‑term contracts. The veteran’s experience could prove valuable for a franchise looking for immediate reliability.

Historical Context of Kicker Waivers in the NFL

Waiving a veteran kicker during final cuts is not uncommon. In the past decade, notable examples include:

1. Adam Vinatieri’s release by the Indianapolis Colts in 2015 after a 22‑year career.
2. Greg Zuerlein’s waiver by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 following a season‑long injury.
3. Matt Prater’s 2020 release by the Detroit Lions after a brief stint.

These cases illustrate that teams often prioritize youth, contract flexibility, and special‑teams strategy over veteran pedigree when shaping the final 53‑man roster.

For the Saints, the decision aligns with a broader trend of integrating younger talent into critical roles while maintaining a competitive salary structure.

Fan Reaction and Media Coverage

Social media response was mixed. Longtime Saints supporters praised Smyth’s contributions, while others welcomed the infusion of fresh talent. Local sports outlets, including NOLA.com, highlighted the competitive nature of the preseason as a positive sign for the team’s depth.

Overall, the waiver underscores the high‑stakes environment of NFL roster construction, where performance, potential, and financial considerations intersect.