Kicker Charlie Smyth has been waived by the New Orleans Saints ahead of the new NFL season, with two-time All-Pro Daniel Carlson set to take over the starting role. The 25-year-old from Mayobridge, County Down, a former Gaelic footballer who rose to prominence in the NFL last season, endured a mixed pre-season and lost out to Carlson's superior form, though his overall NFL journey is not necessarily finished.

Smyth made 12 of 16 field goals and all 13 extra points as the Saints' starter last season, but missed attempts from 52 and 39 yards in pre-season defeats before Carlson sealed the job with two field goals, including a 53-yard winner, against Dallas. Because Smyth joined via the NFL's international player pathway, he could remain on New Orleans' practice squad without counting towards the roster limit, or be signed by another team once the waiver period ends at 17:00 BST on Monday. The Saints open their regular season away to the Detroit Lions on 13 September.