Saints waive rookie kicker Charlie Smyth, an International Player Pathway standout

The Saints have waived rookie kicker Charlie Smyth, ending the battle with Blake Grupe — for now. The International Player Pathway program standout could return:

The New Orleans Saints kicker battle has come to a close for now, with rookie Charlie Smyth being sent to waivers per Nola.com’s Luke Johnson, and confirmed by NewOrleans.Football’s Mike Triplett. This is an intriguing one, as it clearly indicates Blake Grupe winning the starting kicking spot at this point in time, and subjects Smyth to waivers even as an IPP player. But the rookie from  Ireland could still return.

If Smyth were to make it through waivers, he would most likely end up on the practice squad for the Saints, and in the event of Grupe struggling at some point, could be utilized. However, his making it through waivers is no guarantee, as other teams will have seen his game-winner against the Arizona Cardinals, as well as his potential with a strong leg, and consider making the move if they need a kicker.

This unfortunately leaves the Saints in somewhat of a limbo, as they have to sit and wait to see if he will clear waivers before doing anything to get him back, but regardless, hopefully he will end up back with the Saints.

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