Northern Ireland’s Charlie Smyth cut by the New Orleans Saints

Northern Ireland’s Charlie Smyth has been waived by the New Orleans Saints just two weeks before the start of the new NFL season. Pic: Kelly Gavin/Getty Images.

Northern Ireland’s Charlie Smyth has been waived by the New Orleans Saints just two weeks before the start of the new NFL season.

Smyth, who previously played Gaelic football from Mayobridge, 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 and increased competition for a place in the Saints side, particularly following the recent arrival of two-time All-Pro kicker Daniel Carlson, who appears to now be their first choice, the Down native had fallen down the pecking order.

In the Saints' final pre-season match against the Dallas Cowboys on Friday, Smyth, who joined the Saints in 2024, kicked one extra point 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 (IPP), the 25-year-old could be retained on the Saints' practice roster as IPP players do not count towards the 16-player limit while 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 5pm Irish time to sign released players to their rosters, and from there teams can begin to sign players to their practice squads.