Irish NFL hopefuls Charlie Smyth and Jude McAtamney have been released by the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants respectively this evening.
Smyth and McAtemney missed out on the 53-man rosters that were announced on Tuesday and both players will now enter the waiver process, where they can be picked up by any rival franchise before noon tomorrow (5pm Irish time).
Failing that, they could be re-signed by their current teams as part of their practice squads, with players from the international player programme receiving an exemption that allows those teams to have an extra spot on that roster. They could then be elevated for three NFL games a season.
IT’S GOOD! 🙌
Charlie Smyth kicks a 37-yard FG to give the #Saints a 16-14 lead with 5 secs left in the game
📺: @FOX8NOLA | @NFLUKIRE pic.twitter.com/wIlTCadr8h
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 11, 2024
Players can also be re-signed to practice squads without the exemption being exercised, allowing them more freedom between the main and practice rosters.
Former Down goalkeeper Smyth was signed by the Saints after progressing through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Programme, subsequently impressing at February’s combine.
Earlier this month, he converted a last-gasp 37m field goal to secure a 16-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals in a pre-season game, receiving an ovation from his team-mates when he returned to the sideline.
Derry’s McAtamney, meanwhile, nailed both field goal attempts as his Giants side lost out to the New York Jets on his debut.
The Swatragh man had survived the first round of cuts, with the Giants releasing 12 players, but has missed out on the roster.
There was disappointment for former Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit, who was also released by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wicklow man Daniel Whelan is set to be retained by the Green Bay Packers for a second season, the Enniskerry-born punter having impressed for the Packers in 2023.