Mayobridge’s Charlie Smyth is staying in the NFL.
The County Down kicker has re-signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad after being waived from the 53-man roster on Sunday. Other clubs had until 17:00 BST on Monday to claim him. Nobody did. The Saints brought him straight back.
That keeps him in New Orleans for a third season.
Smyth came through the NFL’s International Player Pathway after Gaelic football with Down. Last year he was elevated to the full squad in Week 13 against Miami after Blake Grupe was released, then stuck around. A game-winning field goal against the Carolina Panthers helped earn him a three-year deal under head coach Kellen Moore. He finished 2025 as first choice, 12 from 16 on field goals and perfect from 13 extra points.
This pre-season was different. Tanner Brown was in the mix, then the Saints added two-time All-Pro Daniel Carlson. Carlson’s 53-yarder sealed the final pre-season win over the Dallas Cowboys on Friday. Carlson took the number one job. Smyth and Brown were waived.
Because Smyth still has IPP status, he can sit as a 17th practice-squad player without counting against the usual 16-man limit. The Saints took that option. He is listed on their official practice squad as kicker, number 39.
It is not the 53. It is still the NFL. Mayobridge’s man remains a Saint, ready if New Orleans needs him again.
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