Who Should I Start? Matthew Wright or Charlie Smyth

Tuesday, August 26, 12:20 AM

Carolina Panthers kicker Matthew Wright has been released, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. As a result, rookie Ryan Fitzgerald has won the kicking job. Wright failed to convert his only field goal attempt of the season, missing wide from 55 yards out. No stranger to being an NFL journeyman, Wright played for six organizations over five seasons, including three teams in 2024. He made 15 of his 16 field goal attempts last year. Now, he will proceed to search for a kicking job elsewhere, perhaps adding another team to his resume.

Sunday, August 25, 6:35 PM

New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth (groin) didn't suit up during Sunday's preseason contest against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie kicker has been dealing with an ongoing groin issue since Friday. Head coach Dennis Allen said that the team wanted to play it safe and hold Smyth out of this game. In his absence, Blake Grupe handled the kicking duties during the preseason finale. He connected on both his field goal attempts and made all three of his extra point attempts as well. It remains to be seen which kicker the team decides to ride with into the regular season. Grupe is probably the favorite after making 30-of-37 field goal attempts and all 40 extra point attempts during his rookie season with the Saints in 2023.