Full Breakdown
New Orleans Saints Release Kicker Blake Grupe Amid Struggles
11/26/2025, 12:48:52 AM
Release of Blake Grupe
The New Orleans Saints have officially released kicker Blake Grupe following a disappointing 2025 season. Grupe's performance had significantly declined, culminating in a 24-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where he missed two of three field goal attempts. His field goal percentage for the season dropped to 69.2%, the lowest among all NFL kickers with at least 20 attempts, prompting the team to seek a replacement. The Saints have signed Cade York, a former kicker for the Cincinnati Bengals, to their practice squad, where he will compete with Charlie Smyth for the starting position.
Grupe's Performance History
Blake Grupe, who joined the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2023, initially showed promise by outperforming veteran kicker Wil Lutz, who was traded to the Denver Broncos. Grupe's field goal percentages were 81.1% in his rookie year and improved to 87.1% in 2024. However, his performance took a sharp downturn in 2025, where he missed a total of eight kicks, including critical attempts from 38 and 47 yards against the Falcons. His struggles were evident throughout the season, as he had the second-lowest field goal percentage in the league.
Official Statements & Responses
The Saints' decision to release Grupe was confirmed by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and echoed by various local sports outlets. The coaching staff had previously expressed confidence in Grupe, allowing him to attempt to regain his form after a series of missed kicks. However, after the latest game, it became clear that a change was necessary. Grupe himself acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “It’s not working right now... All I can do at this point is look at literally everything.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Saints' management have pointed to the decision to trade Wil Lutz as a miscalculation, especially given Lutz's continued success in Denver, where he has maintained a high field goal percentage. Some analysts argue that the Saints should have made the change sooner, as Grupe's performance had been consistently below expectations. The team's handling of the kicker position has drawn scrutiny, particularly in a season where scoring has been a challenge.
What's Next for the Saints
With Cade York now on the practice squad, the Saints are looking to stabilize their kicking game ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Miami Dolphins. York, who has a career field goal percentage of 73.3%, will compete with Smyth for the starting role. The Saints' management is under pressure to ensure that the new kicker can provide the reliability needed to improve their overall performance as they navigate a challenging season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s not working right now,” — Blake Grupe, Former Saints Kicker
- “The writing was on the wall that Grupe's days in New Orleans were numbered.” — Nick Underhill, NewOrleans.Football
- “Grupe holds the franchise’s lowest field goal percentage since 1970 among kickers with at least 25 field goal attempts through week 12 of a season.” — Ross Jackson, Louisiana Sports
- “0% New Orleans has an opportunity now to course correct a bit in a season where opportunities have been plentiful for developing and young players.” — Ross Jackson, Louisiana Sports
