Kicker Charlie Smyth has been waived by the New Orleans Saints ahead of the new NFL season.
Smyth, a former Gaelic footballer from Mayobridge in Northern Ireland, was the incumbent coming into pre-season having assumed the role from Blake Grupe in November.
The 25-year-old made 12 of 16 field goals and was successful on each of his 13 extra-point attempts as a starter last season.
But, after a mixed pre-season for Smyth and increased competition on the Saints’ kicking roster, two-time All-Pro kicker Daniel Carlson appears to have been given the nod.
In the Saints’ final pre-season match against the Dallas Cowboys on Friday, Smyth kicked one extra points but Carlson landed two field goals, including the winning points from 53 yards in the 27-24 victory.
Despite the blow, it does not mean that Smyth’s NFL journey has come to an end.
As he came through the NFL’s international player pathway, he could be retained on the Saints’ practice roster as IPP players do not count towards the 16-player limit.
He could also become an option for another NFL team if they feel that Smyth could add to their roster.
Teams have until Monday at 17:00 BST to sign released players to their rosters, and from there teams can begin to sign players to their practice squads.
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