The kicker market across the NFL is sizzling proper now, and we noticed one other kicker commerce go down simply hours earlier than the 53-man roster deadline. Per NFL Media, the New Orleans Saints are buying and selling longtime kicker Wil Lutz to the Denver Broncos. 9News reports that Denver is sending New Orleans a 2024 seventh-round decide as a part of the deal.
Which means that rookie Blake Grupe, who kicked a game-winning subject objective in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in Week 1 of the preseason, has received the job in New Orleans. Lutz was not unhealthy within the preseason for the Saints, as he transformed on all 4 of his subject objective makes an attempt, and all three of his further level makes an attempt. The Athletic reported on Tuesday morning that the Broncos had been one in all a number of groups making requires kickers. Brett Maher kicked for the Broncos this preseason, however he’ll now be launched or traded whereas head coach Sean Payton turns to an previous pal.
Lutz kicked for the Saints for six seasons, and made 84.6% of his subject objective makes an attempt and 97.6% of his further level makes an attempt in 97 profession video games performed. Just lately, he suffered a core muscle damage earlier than the beginning of the 2021 common season that knocked him out for the yr. Lutz then returned to the lineup in 2022 and transformed on a career-low 74.2% of his subject targets, however 100% of his further level makes an attempt for the primary time in his profession.
The 29-year-old discovered his option to New Orleans as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia State in 2016 after a brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens. He made the Professional Bowl in 2019 after lacking simply 4 of 36 subject objective makes an attempt and one in all 49 further level makes an attempt.
