Charlie Smyth, the American footballer from County Down, will remain with the New Orleans Saints after joining their practice squad, having missed out on a place in the team's 53-man roster for the new NFL season. The Mayobridge kicker was waived on Sunday and placed on the waiver wire, but no other franchise moved to sign him before Monday's deadline, allowing the Saints to keep him within the organisation for a third season.

Smyth lost out on the starting kicker role after the Saints signed former Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro Daniel Carlson, who impressed with a 53-yard winning field goal in pre-season. Smyth, 25, had been in contention having made 12 of 16 field goals and all 13 extra points last season, a campaign in which he earned a three-year contract after a game-winning kick against Carolina. As he retains international player pathway status, the Saints were able to add him as a 17th man to their 16-player practice squad, alongside fellow waived kicker Tanner Brown, who was not retained.