Saints sign kicker with unbelievable NFL journey to three-year contract

Smyth, 24, previously played Gaelic football and had never kicked an American football until August 2023. When the opportunity to attend the combine in Indianapolis arose, he took it, jumping on New Orleans’ radar.

Smyth, who is from Mayobridge, Ireland, first signed with the Saints via the NFL's International Player Pathway Program in 2024 but failed to make the active roster in his first two seasons. 

He was given an opportunity earlier this year after the team cut ties with Blake Grupe, who was 18-of-26 (69.2 percent) in 11 games.

Smyth’s massive leg opened the door for him to make an NFL roster, and he showed it off on his first attempt in Week 13 at the Miami Dolphins (6-8), a 56-yard make that had no problem reaching the back netting.

Earlier this week, the NFL UK & Ireland social media shared a video from a Kohl’s Prop Training Camp earlier this year, when Smyth drilled a kick from 70 yards. Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little set the NFL record at 68 yards earlier this year.

He hit the winning kick in the Saints’ upset 20-17 win over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday, the team’s second consecutive win.

"Just over 27 months or so, if you told me ... I'm a kicker in the NFL," Smyth said in his thick Irish accent afterward, "I probably would've laughed at you." (h/t WDSU New Orleans)

The unheralded kicker is one of several members of a promising young Saints (4-10) core. The team’s 2025 draft class includes key contributors, including offensive tackle Kelvin Banks, quarterback Tyler Shough, safety Jonas Sanker and cornerback Quincy Riley.

Smyth is already an incredible success story, and thanks to his contract, he'll get many more opportunities in the years to come to add to his lore.