Five Things Saints in Peter King’s FMIA column; mentions potential Lutz trade to Denver before cutdown (1 Viewer)

[SonOfNOLA]

FMIA Training Camp: Jerry Jones Still Believes; Shanahan on the SF Safety Net

www.nbcsports.com

 

[Saint Floyd]

That feels risky. Grupe doesn’t seem to have a big leg like Deeeez Lutz does.

Grupe for a sixth would be a coup, though. I have a feeling the Broncos might stink, so that could wind up being closer to a late 5th.

 

[SAINTSFAN]

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

 

[SammyIsGod]

Not gonna lie, I'm starting to like the kid...

 

[Saintscuffy]

Interesting..so, lets get down to 53 by yrading everyone to the Broncos...Im good with that.

 

[DeuceMcAllisterFan]

Lutz is in the final year of his contract. We can either carry two kickers on the roster like we did punters a couple of years ago or we move on from Lutz and get compensation for him.

Either way, Grupe is a keeper and will be kicking somewhere if we cut him.

 

[jdpower13]

Broncos dont have a 6th round pick next year, I say we package Trequan and 1 of the kicker for their 4th round pick

 

[Saint Spud]

maybe I’m the only one, but I’ve kinda lost faith in Lutz. I’ll trust what the coaches decide, but I’d be fine with Grupe. Lutz has shown enough inconsistency that I’m willing to go with the rook (not to mention having someone on a rookie deal at the position PLUS a draft pick would be ideal).

 

[Saintscuffy]

maybe I’m the only one, but I’ve kinda lost faith in Lutz. I’ll trust what the coaches decide, but I’d be fine with Grupe. Lutz has shown enough inconsistency that I’m willing to go with the rook (not to mention having someone on a rookie deal at the position PLUS a draft pick would be ideal).

Kickers...

 

[SaintSeb]

Imagine if Grupe had to make a tackle on special teams

 

[26ISTHEMAN]

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.

 

[rlemieux]

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.

 

[DavidM]

maybe I’m the only one, but I’ve kinda lost faith in Lutz. I’ll trust what the coaches decide, but I’d be fine with Grupe. Lutz has shown enough inconsistency that I’m willing to go with the rook (not to mention having someone on a rookie deal at the position PLUS a draft pick would be ideal).

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.

 

[2024InjuryApocalypse]

That feels risky. Grupe doesn’t seem to have a big leg like Deeeez Lutz does.

Grupe for a sixth would be a coup, though. I have a feeling the Broncos might stink, so that could wind up being closer to a late 5th.

He hasn't really been given the chance to, though. The team would know from practice whether or not he can kick 50-55 yarders. Me as a fan, yes, I'd love in the 3rd preseason game to see Grupe get a chance to kick a 50 yarder.

I don't think Lutz is bad but I don't think he's the kicker he used to be either, so if Payton's actually willing to give us something for him, I'd be willing to listen.

 

[WxM]

Not that this is something that ever happens, but if there's a team that needs a kicker and has a good young punter, I'm fine with trading Grupe for him. I'm not convinced that Gillikin or Hedley deserves the job. I expected it from Hedley but it's really disappointing to see that Gillikin has regressed in consistency.