The New Orleans Saints have taken a significant step in their kicking game by signing Cade York to their practice squad, as reported by Nick Underhill from NewOrleans.football. This decision comes as the team prepares to part ways with their current kicker, Blake Grupe, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Media.
Cade York, who has bounced around the league since 2022, has spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Cincinnati Bengals. Despite the tumultuous journey, he maintains a notable record, having successfully made 45 out of 33 field goals, translating to a career success rate of 73.3%, a percentage that mirrors Justin Tucker’s performance in the previous season—his lowest rate to date. York has also completed 51 out of 54 extra points, reflecting his consistency in that aspect.
Initially, both York and Tucker were slated for tryouts on Tuesday, but the opportunity for Tucker to join the Saints did not materialize. With York’s addition, the Saints are looking to solidify their kicking strategy, while Tucker remains on the lookout for the next opportunity to prove himself in the league.
This move highlights the ever-evolving nature of NFL rosters, where teams are continuously seeking to bolster their lineup amid ongoing evaluations of player performances. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how York will adapt to his new role and whether Tucker will find a new team to continue his kicking career.