Saints signed Kicker Charlie Smyth (re-signed to 2 year deal)

This is a rare occasion where I can actually bring some 'expertise' as Charlie is from the county I follow in Gaelic Football and I have seen him play a bit. He has actually not played a lot at Senior level for his county team, mostly at under 20 so far. Rory Beggan, one of the other Irish hopefuls on the other hand, is a bona fide superstar of the game and the best goalkeeper going back years with a huge leg. There has been a big deal made in Ireland of this small group of Irish kickers and punters trying out for NFL spots and Smyth is by far the youngest at 22 which definitely has to go in his favour for a shot as opposed to Beggan who is into his 30s. He is also pretty big for a goalkeeper and plays at an outfield position for his local club so he will absolutely be ready for the physical side of things.

He is going specifically for a spot as a kicker but definitely could try punting if needed - he would have a big leg for either skill and much like the Aussie players who have come into the US game kicking the ball from the hands is second nature to the Gaelic players.

My understanding of the IPP program this year is that every NFL team is guaranteed an extra slot for an international player on the practice squad and there aren't even 32 players trying out. They are also allowed to activate that international player to the game day roster 4 times per season without him counting against the 48 active players. So it literally makes sense on multiple levels to pick one up presumably on the practice squad rookie minimum (which is still life changing for an amateur Gaelic football player) even if it is just to have them as a project player for several seasons.

The question for a team is really whether you take a chance on a skill position or lineman project rugby player/Olympic athlete or try an Irish or Aussie as a special teamer. Realistically speaking, the odds of the latter making it have to be significantly higher.

Plus for me it would be so much of a novelty to have a Gaelic player from my county playing NFL for the Saints I can't even explain! So hope this works out and we pick him up.