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New Orleans Saints Release Journeyman Kicker Who Single-Handedly Demolished Tom Brady’s Buccaneers During 2021 Regular Season

Published 02/23/2022, 6:56 AM EST

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The New Orleans Saints have waived off kicker Brett Maher before the 2022 NFL season. Maher had been an important fixture for the team as they were recovering from the injury to veteran kicker, Wil Lutz. 

Maher had a decent outing in the 2021 season. He made 16/18 field goals in the season and went 10/12 on extra points. However, the results were not good enough for the team to retrieve him on the roster for 2022. 

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His brightest performance came against the Saints’ 9-0 shut out win against Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2021 regular season. Maher struck three field goals, which were the only points scored by the Saints, against a rampant side led by the GOAT, Tom Brady.

From Dallas Cowboys to New Orleans Saints 

The Cowboys employed Brett Maher for two years 2018, and 2019. He played 29 games for America’s team and went 49-of-66 on field goals and 68-of-69 on extra points. He sat out the 2020 season before making his comeback to the NFL in 2021 with the Saints. 

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After it was clear that Lutz will be out for the season, the Saints went through three kickers: Aldrick Rosas, Cody Parkey, and Brian Johnson. The three, combined, went 9-for-12 on field-goal attempts and converted 21 of 26 extra points attempted. 

Lutz is a legend 

Wil Lutz has been a consistent offensive piece for the Saints. Since starting in 2016, he has completed 86.6% of his field goals. When the team needed him most, he was up for the challenge and converted many game-winning opportunities. 

It is only fair that the team opens up his spot as he plans to make his way back. Lutz was scheduled to come back mid-season 2021. But an issue during rehab dictated he take more time in recovery. Thus, there was a delay in his comeback, making him sit out the entirety of the season. 

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Tough decisions ahead 

Sean Payton’s exit from the Saints means the team will look at a completely different leadership scene at the Saints. The foundational pillars for the recent success of the franchise Drew Brees and Payton were two of. 

Both of them are now out; new dawn awaits New Orleans. As per reports, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will take over the responsibilities of the head coach for the upcoming season. 

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It will be beneficial for continuity, as Allen is already familiar with the complete structure and SOPs of the organization. However, how successful he will be in running the Music City football team. 

REPORTS: New Orleans Saints Have Selected Sean Payton’s Successor

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Written by:

Utsav Khanna

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Utsav Khanna is an NFL sports writer at EssentiallySports. He did his PGDM from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and went on to work in Public Relations. A deep interest and love for the sport of NFL drew him towards working in Sports Journalism.
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