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Kicker Charlie Smyth has signed a new three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints and been elevated to the side’s full 53-man roster for the first time.<\/b><\/p>\n
Smyth kicked a game-winning field goal<\/a> for the Saints against the Carolina Panthers last week and, after three practice squad elevations already this season, NFL rules state that the 24-year-old from County Down in Northern Ireland needed to be signed to the 53-man roster in order to feature again against the New York Jets this weekend. <\/p>\n Smyth is now set for his fourth successive NFL start against the Jets at the Superdome on Sunday (18:00 GMT).<\/p>\n The former Gaelic footballer had been a member of Saints’ practice squad as part of the NFL’s international player pathway programme after signing his first contract in March 2024.<\/p>\n He was elevated to the active roster for the first time in November, replacing previous kicker Blake Grupe, who was waived by the Saints and has since joined the Indianapolis Colts.<\/p>\n Smyth beat veteran Cade York for the starting role and in his NFL debut against the Miami Dolphins<\/a> last month landed a 56-yard field goal and made an onside kick.<\/p>\n The former Down goalkeeper also featured in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before his 46-yarder with six seconds left in his home debut last week.<\/p>\n Across his three games, Smyth has made nine of his 10 kick attempts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n