It doesn't look like the New Orleans Saints will be looking outside their building for a new kicker after releasing Daniel Carlson. Practice squad kicker Charlie Smyth is expected to start in Sunday's game with the Cleveland Browns, per NFL Ireland's Michael McQuaid. Smyth kicked for the Saints in six games last year, making all 13 of his extra point attempts while going 12-of-16 on field goals. His misses came from distances of 48, 61, 43, and 56 yards.

Smyth, 25, has been with the Saints for three years now as part of the NFL International Pathway Player program (he's a native of Mayobridge in Northern Ireland). He only picked up American football in 2024 but has developed rapidly, and the vision all along has been for him to earn a long-time role in New Orleans. He competed well throughout training camp and the preseason this summer, outlasting multiple contenders the Saints brought in to push him, but they decided he wasn't ready once the regular season started. With Carlson missing too many kicks, they didn't have a choice but to give Smyth the nod.

That doesn't mean the Saints won't look at other options. They could sign a veteran like former Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson or bring in one of their offseason tryouts to put pressure on Smyth during the week; Mason Shipley (Texas Longhorns), Tanner Brown (Oklahoma State), and Cade York (LSU) are all still available. Smyth will be under plenty of pressure to deliver as it is, but competition could bring out the best in him. Stay tuned.