The short version
- Charlie Smyth will start as kicker for the New Orleans Saints against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.
- Daniel Carlson was released from his contract after a 66% field goal success rate raised consistency concerns.
- Smyth returns to the active roster from the practice squad, where he had been developing since the season began.
The New Orleans Saints have made a significant change to their special teams unit, confirming that Charlie Smyth will return as the starting kicker for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Kellen Moore announced the decision on Wednesday, ending a brief tenure for Daniel Carlson, who had been brought in to start the season. The move comes after the Saints terminated Carlson’s contract earlier this week, signaling a shift in strategy for a team that currently holds a record of two wins and five losses.
Carlson, a veteran kicker who spent five seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders before joining New Orleans, struggled with consistency during his time on the active roster. He attempted twelve field goals, successfully converting only eight, which resulted in a 66% success rate. His performance was marked by volatility; while he delivered a perfect game in September against the Baltimore Ravens, landing all three of his attempts, other outings failed to meet expectations. Despite these struggles with longer kicks, Carlson remained reliable on extra points, making sixteen of eighteen attempts throughout the season.
Moore acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting that Carlson had made several significant kicks for the team. However, the coach emphasized that consistency was the primary factor driving the change. He stated that while Carlson contributed to big moments, the lack of steady performance led him to believe that reverting to Smyth was the best path forward for the football team. The decision reflects a pragmatic approach to roster management, prioritizing reliability over sporadic brilliance in a critical position.
Smyth, who had been assigned to the practice squad since the start of the campaign, is now poised to take the field. The 25-year-old originally made his NFL debut last season, where he established himself as a capable starter. During that period, he converted twelve of sixteen field goal attempts and was perfect on thirteen extra point tries. His performance last year earned him recognition, but the Saints opted to sign Carlson for the current season, dropping Smyth back to the practice roster after a kicking competition.
The transition back to Smyth highlights the role of the practice squad in player development. Moore pointed out that players not seeing game time on Sundays still engage in rigorous weekly preparation. He compared Smyth’s approach to that of quarterback Tyler Shough, noting that both athletes maintained structured plans for improvement while on the practice roster. This preparation allowed Smyth to remain ready for an opportunity that arose due to Carlson’s struggles.
Smyth’s background adds a unique dimension to his return. A former Gaelic footballer from Mayobridge in County Down, he has navigated the transition between sports and leagues with notable success. His journey from a historic debut last November to a stint on the practice squad and now back to the starting lineup underscores the fluid nature of NFL roster dynamics. The Saints did not bring in any additional kickers to replace Carlson, making Smyth’s return a necessary internal solution rather than an external acquisition.
The timing of this change is critical for the Saints, who are fighting to improve their standing in a competitive division. With just two wins from seven games, every position on the field carries weight. Special teams can often be the difference between close victories and narrow defeats, making the kicker’s reliability paramount. By switching back to Smyth, the coaching staff is betting on his proven track record from the previous season to stabilize this aspect of the game.
Looking ahead, the Saints will face the Browns at the Caesars Superdome with Smyth handling kicking duties. The team must now integrate him quickly into the game plan, ensuring that any rust from time spent on the practice squad does not impact his performance. Moore expressed confidence in Smyth’s readiness, citing his work ethic and preparation during weeks without game action. This decision sets the stage for a potential turning point in special teams play as the season progresses.
The situation also serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in NFL roster decisions. Players like Carlson can be brought in with high expectations only to be released when performance metrics do not align with team needs. Conversely, players like Smyth demonstrate that patience and development on the practice squad can yield valuable contributions when opportunities arise. The Saints’ choice reflects a calculated risk aimed at maximizing their chances for success in the remaining games of the season.
As the game approaches, attention will turn to how Smyth performs under pressure after his time away from the starting role. His ability to replicate last season’s consistency will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The Saints’ management has clearly signaled that they are willing to make tough calls to address immediate issues, and this kicker change is a testament to that philosophy. The outcome of Sunday’s game may well hinge on whether Smyth can deliver the stability the team currently lacks.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Smyth to return as starting Saints kicker on Sunday
