Second-year kicker Charlie Smyth wasn’t bad in his rookie campaign. The New Orleans Saints kicker finished the season making 12 of his 16 field goal attempts, including going 4-for-6 on 50+ yard attempts.
Smyth took over for a struggling Blake Grupe and, despite some struggles, was a breath of fresh air. However, the Saints aren’t settling, and are heading into training camp with a kicker competition after signing UFL kicker Tanner Brown of the Championship-winning Louisville Kings.
Brown was impressive
for the Kings during the regular season, making 25 of his 28 attempts. Brown is most credited for his impressive leg, making 7 of his 9 attempts from 50+ yards and making his only 60+ yard attempt.
But it was the playoffs that Brown really came alive. While being called on four times, Brown made all of his attempts, including making back-to-back 60+ yard attempts, with a long of 63 yards.
The Saints have struggled to find an answer at kicker. Over the last four seasons, New Orleans finished in the bottom 10 in field goal efficiency in three seasons, including finishing with the worst in 2025 and 2022.
Special teams as a whole have been a struggle for the Saints, so during free agency, they invested big in a punter, signing Ryan Wright to a four-year $14 million contract. New Orleans also looked heavily into kickers, bringing in notable names such as Younghoe Koo and Justin Tucker for workouts. Despite bringing in these big-name kickers, the Saints didn’t sign any, and many questioned if they would add to the very questionable position.
Now with Brown and Smyth on the roster heading into training camp, New Orleans is set up for an interesting kicking competition. Brown is coming directly off an excellent season in the UFL, and Smyth has shown promise with his big leg. With the Saints heading into the 2026 NFL season with high expectations, it’s vital they make the right decision at kicker.
