Kickers miss out on rosters for new NFL season

Due to the fact that Jude McAtamney, Charlie Smyth, and Mark McNamee were unable to make the final roster for their respective NFL teams, they are now open to being acquired by another franchise.

The New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and Green Bay Packers all waived former Gaelic footballers McAtamney, Smyth, and McNamee.

The New York Giants’ 53-man roster was finalized after McAtamney lost to veteran Graham Gano in the draft that will debut next week.

In the second half of the pre-season opener against the Buffalo Bills, the County Derry man played all kicking duties while participating in the victories over the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, scoring 10 more points and making a field goal between the two games.

When Gano injured himself last season and the New York franchise may want to call him back on the practice squad for the upcoming season if his pre-season performance does not result in an offer from another team, McAtamney was called from the practice squad to the Giants team for the regular season game against the Washington Commanders.

Smyth, a County Down player, was not selected for the New Orleans Saints’ final year because Blake Grupe was once again chosen at number one.

Smyth scored field goals in games against the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Los Angeles Chargers during a successful pre-season with the Saints, playing in each of their games in the second half.

Smyth scored from 52 yards in the Broncos’ 28-19 loss on Saturday.

Grupe did, however, choose to use the 26-year-old kicker for the new campaign after head coach Kellen Moore chose to start both of those games.

McNamee is currently available to be picked up by another team or added to the Green Bay practice squad, but he was not chosen for the Packers’ final roster.

Despite landing in the United States the day before, the Dubliner was able to complete the kickoffs in the opening pre-season game against the New York Jets.

In the second game against the Indianapolis Colts, he kicked a 43-yard field goal and two more points, but he also missed a field goal attempt from 39 yards and an extra point.