Lutz is going into a contract year
Just curious… why do you think there’s a “decent chance” that Lutz returns to form and Grupe struggles?
Like every roster decision, current play isn’t the only factor that must be weighed.
Lutz is a vested vet on a nice contract - one that, if I’m not mistaken, is up after this season. Which means another contract if he’s to stay our kicker for 2024.
Grupe is a rookie on a rookie deal and if he succeeds, you have him in the mix for a few more years as he grows and matures
So even if Lutz has a statistically better season than Grupe - the upside is still always higher for the younger guy.
Was going with Grupe a risk? Sure. Same way trading away Donte Stallworth in 2006 and going with a converted TE out of Hofstra as your primary WR.