The New Orleans Saints lost in Week 12 to the Atlanta Falcons, and while not the sole reason for the loss, Blake Grupe's missing multiple kicks that were very makeable ones led Kellen Moore and the Saints to reevaluate the position.
On Monday, the Saints were reported to bring in two different kickers for tryouts: former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker and journeyman kicker Cade York.
The next day, the Saints' decision was made. According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the Saints opted to go for the younger option in Cade York.
Saints cut ties with Blake Grupe, add Cade York over Justin Tucker after workout
"After a strong workout today, the Saints are going to sign kicker Cade York to the practice squad, per source," Underhill reports.
A little while after Underhill's report came out, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that the Saints are cutting ties with Grupe, releasing the 27-year-old kicker after going 1-3 in Week 12's loss to the Falcons.
New Orleans made their decision between Tucker and York, landing on the younger, less experienced York over Tucker.
York is 24 years old and has previously kicked for the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, and Cincinnati Bengals. He's perfect from within 29 yards, but from 30-39 yards, York is 15 for 11 in his career. From 40-49 yards out, he's 7-for-11, and from 50-plus yards away, York is 5-of-9.
His career field goal percentage is 73.3 percent, a good deal lower than Tucker's career 89.1 percent. But, in 2024, Tucker had a 73.3 field goal percentage in his worst season in the NFL.
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Add on that he's 36 years old, and the Saints' decision to go with York makes a lot of sense. This team isn't looking for veteran stop-gaps; they're trying to figure out the team for the future.
Taking a chance on York is a much better decision, since there's a chance he turns things around in New Orleans. York is a decent option for the Saints to pick up.
While Grupe could still start in Week 13, York will make this more of a competition than before. The Saints are going with York, who's over 10 years younger than Tucker, to add to their kicker room after Grupe's rough Week 12 performance.
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