Kicker Competition between an Irishman and UFL Grad

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The New Orleans Saints decided to bring in some competition in the kicking position this off season by signing former Oklahoma State grad Tanner Brown to a free agent contract.

After his college career ended in 2022, Brown spent time on the Rams' practice squad in 2023, then the Falcons practice group in 2024. In January of this year, the former Sooner was drafted by the UFL's Louisville squad. He hit a 60-yarder in a game in May, which earns a team four points by United Football League rules. Then, on June 7th, in a playoff game, Brown hit a 60-yarder and later in the same contest a 63-yarder. He is the only kicker in any professional football league to score two 60-yard field goals in the same game.

Smyth vs. Brown

Brown is battling last year's end-of-the-season kicker for the Saints, Charlie Smyth. You may remember Smyth replaced Blake Grupe, who was released post game 11 after a stretch of misses, hitting 69% of his field goals before hitting the streets. Smyth went on to hit 12-of-16 FG attempts, his longest a 57-yarder.

For Brown, he's just keeping his head down and working on his craft.

"Just brining my best every day," Brown said when asked how he's working on his competition with Smyth. "Stepping up, just focusing on making the next kick and not worrying too much about anything else."

UFL was a Gateway to the NFL

He believes his UFL experiences are helping him in New Orleans.

"I think it's a great opportunity that the UFL has given us," Brown responded, "making the most of every opportunity. It's good because it's giving you a routine to do during the (UFL) season. I feel like I'm a lot wiser (after his UFL stint), especially with my ball count, not kicking so much. I've done those reps a million times, so being smart and more intentional about my reps and just focusing or executing the next one. With the NFL, you just kind of roll right into it."

His Job is an Under Pressure Job, Always

The OSU alum feels like any pressure he is under is just part of the job.

"My job stays the same, no matter who's watching," Brown noted, "no matter where it is. Just put the ball through the uprights. That's really it."

Through training camp with the Saints, the former Louisville Kings kicker feels he's getting there.

"I feel like I could have been better," Brown answered, "but, I'm doing my best, bringing my best every single day. That's all I really can do."

New Orleans Saints Preseason Schedule

Sat. Aug. 15: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (L 24-20)
Sat. Aug. 22: @ Los Angeles Rams, 3 p.m., FOX
Fri. Aug. 28: @ Dallas Cowboys, 7 p.m., FOX

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