Talk about a plot twist! The New Orleans Saints just made a kicking decision that's got the NFL world buzzing: they're going with Cade York, not Justin Tucker, to potentially fill the void left by Blake Grupe. Yes, you read that right. Justin Tucker, arguably the greatest kicker of all time, worked out with the Saints, but apparently, it wasn't enough to outweigh certain… considerations.
According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football, the Saints have officially signed Cade York to their practice squad. This move coincides with the release of their current kicker, Blake Grupe, as reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Media. Both York and Tucker were brought in for tryouts just this Tuesday, making this a whirlwind of activity in the kicking department.
Now, let's talk about Cade York. Since entering the league in 2022, he's bounced around a bit, spending time with the Browns, Titans, Giants, Commanders, and Bengals. Interestingly, he hadn't found a home on any roster yet in 2025, making this opportunity with the Saints a crucial one for his career. His field goal accuracy stands at 73.3%, having made 45 out of 63 attempts. And this is the part most people miss... that 73.3% is precisely the same percentage Justin Tucker achieved in 2024, marking the lowest success rate of Tucker's illustrious career. Coincidence? Maybe. Worth noting? Absolutely. York has also converted 51 of 54 extra-point attempts.
But here's where it gets controversial... Does this signing signal a shift in the Saints' kicking philosophy? Are they prioritizing potential and a fresh start over proven experience, even if that experience belongs to one of the best to ever do it? Perhaps the Saints are betting on York's potential upside and hoping a change of scenery will unlock the accuracy that made him a highly touted prospect coming out of college. Or perhaps, there were other factors at play during Tucker's workout that the public isn't privy to.
As for Justin Tucker, the wait continues. He'll be looking for another tryout, another opportunity to prove he still has what it takes to be a starting kicker in the NFL. The question now is: where will he land, and will he return to his former level of dominance? What do you think? Did the Saints make the right call going with York? Is Tucker's career on the decline, or is this just a temporary setback? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
