Saints get incredibly lucky on waiver wire with young player who may be on the active roster by season's end

The New Orleans Saints took a major risk on Tuesday when they waived rookie kicker Charlie Smyth .

Smyth had to pass through waivers after a strong training camp. The Irishman got tons of traction on social media for his big leg . It was a close competition between he and Blake Grupe. Ultimately, the Saints rolled with their boot from last season.

The Saints got lucky on Wednesday, though. Smyth passed through waivers unclaimed.

Charlie Smyth expected to sign with Saints practice squad

The Saints should get Smyth back with the bonus 17th practice squad spot that comes from the NFL's international pathway program.

If Grupe struggles early in the regular season, don't be shocked to see Smyth elevated in order to give New Orleans another option in the kicking game. That being said, Grupe had a perfect preseason.

Dennis Allen says they've seen growth from Grupe. That was on full display in the exhibition games.

Smyth is an intriguing long-term option for New Orleans, so keeping him stashed on the practice squad makes plenty of sense. He's still quite new to the NFL and is expected to continue to develop with more practice reps.

Smyth was also dealing with an injury to close the preseason. That was part of his lack of reps during the final preseason game. Regardless, the Saints are surely happy that he made it back to them through the waiver process.

Related: Meet the New Orleans Saints' initial 2024 53-man roster ahead of Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers