NFL franchise New Orleans Saints has released former Down Gaelic footbaler Charlie Smyth following a competitive training camp and a final pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys, which they won 27-24.
They had previously lost pre-season games to the LA Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Smyth had featured in the latter game and missed a field goal.
It’s something of a surprise given Smyth signed a three-year deal last December.
He went into the training camp largely considered the favourite to retain his spot, but the Saints subsequently brought in several other options to challenge the Co Down native.
The highest profile of those was former Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowler Daniel Carlson, who came in just before the pre-season game and was seen as a major threat to Smyth due to his experience in the league.
Carlson made 38 and 53-yard field goals – the latter proving to be the game-winner – and an extra point, while Smyth made extra-point attempts.
Despite losing his spot, reports from the United States indicate that the Saints intend to keep Smyth on the practice squad. As he joined the league through the International Pathway, the team can get a roster exemption for him.
He also could join another side with a deadline of 5pm on Monday (31 August) for teams to sign released players.
Last season, Smyth led the Saints to four wins in his six starts which included a 47-yard game-winning field goal against NFC South rivals the Carolina Panthers.