The New Orleans Saints’ kicker battle is one of the most intriguing storylines for their upcoming training camp on July 29, with Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown vying for the roster spot. Both have superb legs with a 65+ yard range, but that won’t win them the fight. Instead, the deciding factor will be their consistency in the 30-49 yard range.
Smyth is the consensus frontrunner as he’s been on the roster since 2024 and looked promising in the back half of last season. In total, he went 12/16; which doesn’t sound astonishing, but only two of his misses were from inside of 50 yards. Additionally, he went a perfect 13/13 on extra points.
However, Brown is an extremely skilled player who isn’t just a camp body, but a serious contender for the role. The former UFL player was an impressive 29/32 from the field last year for the Louisville Kings and only had one miss from under 50 yards. The UFL has a track record of producing elite kickers with the Dallas Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey and Detroit Lions’ Jake Bate. Now, Brown seeks to be the next name on that list.
Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown don’t have to be superhuman in training camp; they just have to convert the “easy kicks”.
The Saints’ kicking last season, particularly with Blake Grupe, was atrocious and landed them last in the NFL, making 71.4% of their attempts. Although it’s not acceptable, this problem was passable as the team had other more pressing issues.
However, the same won’t be true in 2026 as they seek to compete in the NFC South. Three points can be the difference between winning and losing, so the kicker must be reliable and make their attempts, especially within 50, which they are expected to consistently nail.
Back in 2025, the Saints also hosted a kicking competition between Blake Grupe and Charlie Smyth in training camp. Similar to this year, both players had a huge leg, but Grupe separated himself not by making 70-yard field goals, but by doing his job and making the short kicks.
Conversely, Smyth struggled in this area and it made the decision easy for Kellen Moore. Although the situation is different this year, with Smyth as the favorite rather than the underdog, he must improve or else Brown will take his spot.
The competition for the starting kicker won’t ever be a headline, but it’s a big deal that will play a critical role in the Saints’ success. Charlie Smyth is the frontrunner, but don’t count out Tanner Brown. This tight race won’t be won with 60+ yard kicks, but with their consistency.
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