“Irish NFL Hopes Hang in the Balance as Smyth and McAtamney Released; Whelan Secures Another Season”
Irish NFL players Charlie Smyth and Jude McAtamney have been let go by their respective teams, the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants. Smyth, from Down, and McAtamney, from Derry, failed to make the final 53-man roster for the upcoming season and have been placed on the waiver wire. The waiver period remains open until 12pm ET (5pm Irish time) tomorrow, during which any team can claim them.
If unclaimed, their teams are likely to sign them to their practice squads. Both players are eligible for an international player exemption, which would allow them to join the practice squad without counting toward the roster limit. From there, they could be called up during the season if their team’s primary kicker suffers an injury.
Smyth had hit a game-winning field goal in the Saints’ first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, but it wasn’t enough to secure a roster spot.
Meanwhile, Daniel Whelan is set to continue as the starting punter for the Green Bay Packers. The Enniskerry native had an impressive year with the team, making 61 punts during the regular and postseason. He is expected to earn a minimum salary of $795,000, up from $750,000 last year.