County Down kicker Charlie Smyth will stay in New Orleans after re-signing with the Saints' practice squad. This move follows confirmation on Sunday that the Mayobridge man did not secure a spot on the NFC South franchise's 53-man squad for the start of the NFL season.
Smyth was placed on the waiver wire, giving other teams the opportunity to offer him a contract. However, no such offer materialised before Monday's 17:00 BST deadline.
He will now return to the Saints' practice squad, where he spent his entire first season and began last term. Smyth made his debut last season when elevated to the full squad for a Week 13 defeat, eventually earning a three-year contract and finishing the season as first choice.
Last season, Smyth successfully made 12 of 16 field goal attempts and was perfect from 13 extra-point tries. However, a mixed pre-season saw him face competition from Tanner Brown and then two-time All-Pro Daniel Carlson, who ultimately won the number one spot.
As Smyth retains his international player pathway (IPP) status, he can be added as a 17th member to the practice squad, ensuring his third season in New Orleans since graduating from the IPP.