Gaelic Games

Down’s Charlie Smyth to remain with New Orleans Saints

Former Down under-20 goalkeeper signs new two-year deal with the Saints

Charlie Smyth was picked up by the New Orleans Saints in March. Photograph: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Charlie Smyth was picked up by the New Orleans Saints in March. Photograph: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Gordon Manning
Mon Jan 06 2025 - 21:39

Down native Charlie Smyth is set to sign a new two-year deal with NFL side the New Orleans Saints.

Smyth has spent the season on the practice squad in New Orleans. Despite not gaining any game-time, the kicker’s efforts and development have not gone unnoticed, with Pro Football Ireland reporting the Mayobridge man is set to remain with the franchise.

Smyth – who initially worked with Tadhg Leader in the International Player Pathway programme – impressed in the NFL Combine last year and was picked up by the Saints in March.

The former Down under-20 goalkeeper did not make the Saints’ roster for the season but was kept on the practice roster, where he has worked on honing his kicking game.

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Blake Grupe (26) has been the kicker for the Saints during the 2024-25 season and improved his numbers during the recent campaign – moving from the 25th to 13th-ranked kicker in the league in terms of accuracy with a return of 87.1 per cent on field goals.

The Saints endured a difficult season, finishing bottom of the NFC South with a 5-12 record.

Gordon Manning

Gordon Manning

Gordon Manning is a sports journalist, specialising in Gaelic games, with The Irish Times