The New Orleans Saints are aiming for a better outcome at kicker in 2026 after the unit posted the league’s lowest field goal percentage in 2025. Blake Grupe began the year as the starting kicker, but the Saints released him in November after he converted 69.2% of his field goal attempts (18-for-26). Charlie Smyth replaced Grupe and made 75% of his field goal attempts (12-for-16). The team also signed former Texas State Bobcats and Texas Longhorns standout Mason Shipley as an undrafted free agent, who will compete against Smyth this offseason.
The New Orleans Saints ink the UFL Special Teams Player of the Year for 2026
Louisville King’s Tanner Brown kicks a field goal against Orlando Storm at Lynn Family Stadium.
April 10, 2026
According to Jeff Nowak of Audacy Sports and WWLAMFM, the Saints signed Tanner Brown to a contract on Wednesday following a tryout on Tuesday. Additionally, the front office has released Mason Shipley, leaving the UFL standout and Charlie Smyth as the two main challengers for kicking duties. Given the recent track record of former USFL/UFL kickers having success in the NFL, including Brandon Aubrey, Harrison Mevis, and Jake Bates, Brown could make the 53-man roster.
They signed former UFL kicker Tanner Brown
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) June 17, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his 2026 campaign
The Louisville Kings selected Tanner Brown in the 2026 UFL Draft. He enjoyed an incredible inaugural season this spring, being named to the All-UFL Team and winning the Special Teams Player of the Year. Brown converted 89.3% of his field goal attempts (25-for-28) during the regular season, and went 1-for-1 from 1-19 yards, 4-for-4 from 20-29 yards, 6-for-7 from 30-39 yards, 7-for-7 from 40-49 yards, 7-for-9 from 50+ yards, including one from 60 yards. He also went 4-for-4 on field goals during the postseason, including 1-for-1 from 30-39 yards and 3-for-3 from 50+ yards, with two from 60 yards and a long of 63, helping lead the Kings to a UFL championship.