Saints name Charlie Smyth kicker against Browns

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said Charlie Smyth will be the team’s starting kicker against the Cleveland Browns this weekend, following the release of Daniel Carlson after seven games. Moore confirmed the change Wednesday. Smyth, who is on the Saints’ practice squad, will take over for Carlson, who made eight of 12 field-goal attempts this season. The team’s assignment applies to this week; Moore did not say whether Smyth would remain the starter beyond the game. “Tough decisions,” Moore said, describing Carlson’s work. He said the decision was based on consistency and added that Smyth had kicked for the team last year and would be ready to play. Carlson’s four missed field goals this season were all attempts from at least 50 yards, according to team-season statistics reported by the sources. Smyth, 25, made 12 of 16 field goals in six games for New Orleans during the 2025 season. He also converted all 13 of his extra-point attempts. He became the Saints’ kicker late that season after the team released Blake Grupe, and the team won four of the six games in which Smyth played. The Saints released Smyth from their main roster during preseason this year and retained...