Five Things Saints in Peter King’s FMIA column; mentions potential Lutz trade to Denver before cutdown (2 Viewers)

[Saint Spud]

Seeing Grupe in person he needs a year or 2 before he’s ready for a roster spot. I know kickers don’t need to be big but you could literally see the kids elbows he was so skinny. I like the idea of him on the PS for a year but I worry about things like kickoffs, 50+ yard field goals and the off chance he has to tackle a returner.

I care more about a guy being able to consistently make 30-45 yarders than making 50+ yarders.

And as far as kickoffs, two of his three went for touchbacks last night.

 

[SAINTSFAN]

I'd like to see Grupe try some longer kicks. He showed pretty good leg strength on kickoffs, and if he can make the long ones, I'm ok with trading Lutz. He makes me nervous.

I was hoping they would put him in for the 51 yarder. HIs career high in college was 50 I think. I want to see how accurate he is on longer kicks.

 

[brandon8283]

Lutz is and always has been overrated. It's the right move. Sean Payton will overpay for him.

 

[SAINTSFAN]

Lutz's percentage has gone down each of the last three years he's played, finishing a disappointing 74.2% last year. Even if he has a rebound season, that could make assessing his value for a new contract a challenge, and also riskier than would be ideal. I'm with you that I can live with whatever decision is made - Grupe is unproven and not without question marks - but from a roster management standpoint, it could make sense to get something for Lutz while they can, audition Grupe (or another kicker) this season, and see where they are going into next year.

Grupe's college stats were in the 70s.

 

[ATLien]

If a primary concern is the kicker being able to tackle a returner, then you've got much bigger ST issues.

 

[DavidM]

Grupe's college stats were in the 70s.

Lutz finished at 69.2% for his career at Georgia State.

I don't know that we have our future longterm answer at kicker on the roster.

 

[brandon8283]

Seeing Grupe in person he needs a year or 2 before he’s ready for a roster spot. I know kickers don’t need to be big but you could literally see the kids elbows he was so skinny. I like the idea of him on the PS for a year but I worry about things like kickoffs, 50+ yard field goals and the off chance he has to tackle a returner.

According to https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/...cle_aab9e656-2af3-11ee-b8ca-53d6da2e734b.html, Grupe's long at Notre Dame was 47, he hit a 50-yarder at Arkansas State, and he hit a 59-yarder at Saints OTAs.

I think given the opportunity, he'll be fine.

 

[saints4eva]

Imagine if Grupe had to make a tackle on special teams

Someone get that kid a sandwich!

 

[SAINTSFAN]

Lutz finished at 69.2% for his career at Georgia State.

I don't know that we have our future longterm answer at kicker on the roster.

I personally have more confidence in Lutz based on his pro career than Grupe thus far.

 

[rsmith2783]

From what i've seen lately, the only team that benefits from a trade is the one receiving the player. Lately they have been getting away with mid to low draft picks. Grupe is un proven at this point, and it sounds like this trade scenario is to help SP anyway.

We already gave away one of our draft picks to get rid of him, so why continue to help the Broncos?

Honestly, I see TH getting traded there next to "help" them out.

 

[DavidM]

I personally have more confidence in Lutz based on his pro career than Grupe thus far.

Oh, sure, I think that's absolutely reasonable. If they can't trade Lutz, or don't want to (entirely based on speculation) then I would expect him to win the job.

 

[nakadish]

If he wants Grupe for a 6th, I am all in. How about Trequan too?

I would definitely be willing to give Denver a 6th round pick to take TQS.

 

[JvilleJoe]

Seeing Grupe in person he needs a year or 2 before he’s ready for a roster spot. I know kickers don’t need to be big but you could literally see the kids elbows he was so skinny. I like the idea of him on the PS for a year but I worry about things like kickoffs, 50+ yard field goals and the off chance he has to tackle a returner.

I don’t know about long FG’s, but he put one kickoff at least well into the end zone yesterday. He is however real slight in stature and is a rookie and you never know if he will get the yips come pressure time during the regular season! I think I would go with Lutz this year!

 

[sfidc3]

I think Lutz will be our kicker, at least this year.....

Isn't that guy the same guy that had CSP going to Dallas every year since like 2010?

 

[Nolan]

I think Lutz will be our kicker, at least this year.....

Isn't that guy the same guy that had CSP going to Dallas every year since like 2010?

You're thinking of Mike Florio.