Charlie Smyth's NFL future is now up in the air, with it being reported that the Down native has not made the New Orleans Saints final roster for the 2024 season.
However, not all hope is lost when it comes to Smyth having an impact in the league.
The 22-year old earned an NFL shot after coming through the league's international pathway programme, with the Saints making him part of their training camp roster over the summer. He also featured in a number of pre-season games, including when kicking the winning field goal on his debut.
IT'S GOOD! 🙌
Charlie Smyth kicks a 37-yard FG to give the #Saints a 16-14 lead with 5 secs left in the game
📺: @FOX8NOLA | @NFLUKIRE pic.twitter.com/wIlTCadr8h— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 11, 2024
Despite this, it was reported by local New Orleans journalist Luke Johnson that Smyth had not made the 53-man Saints roster for the upcoming regular season.
Looks like Charlie Smyth did not make the team, according to a league source. Saints want him back, but this will be an interesting one to follow. Huge potential. Will have to clear waivers.
— Luke Johnson (@ByLukeJohnson) August 27, 2024
While this is a disappointment, not all hope is lost when it comes to Charlie Smyth and his NFL dream.
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What next for Charlie Smyth in pursuit of NFL dream?
Making the 53-man roster was always going to be difficult for Charlie Smyth, who only took up the sport less than 12 months ago. While he was not part of that list, he is likely to retain a huge amount of NFL interest over the coming days.
The New Orleans Saints are said to be keen to retain the Irishman as part of their practice squad, which has an allocated spot for international players.
The other 31 teams in the NFL will also now have the opportunity to claim Smyth via waivers after his release from the Saints. However, they would have to use on of their 53 roster spots in order to take him on board.
It's worth noting that only the Saints can put Charlie Smyth into the international spot on their practice squad. For a team to claim him, they'd be doing so to put him on their 53 ... which would be a significant commitment with so little actual information available. https://t.co/HLze9AwlOk
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 27, 2024
As things stand, the most likely scenario is that Charlie Smyth will stay at the New Orleans as part of their practice squad.
In saying that, it is not out of the question that another NFL team takes a chance on him in their 53. Not only did the Down man draw a huge amount of interest throughout the international pathway programme process, but he is also said to have impressed during his limited opportunities in pre-season.
Can confirm via source that Saints are releasing K Charlie Smyth -- the most obvious practice squad candidate you'll find.
Will be interesting to see if another team takes a chance on him, though, after his rapid rise this summer. https://t.co/KqU8CDC76I— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 27, 2024
It remains to be seen what the outcome of this latest development will be, although we should have a clearer idea over the next few days.
This was a small setback for Charlie Smyth, but this dream of playing in the NFL remains very much alive in spite of it.
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