Kicker Shocker: Tucker OUT, York IN!

Well, here’s a headline that’ll make you do a double-take, especially if you’re a Saints fan, or, frankly, just someone who appreciates a good, old-fashioned NFL roster shake-up. You hear “Justin Tucker” and “tryout” in the same sentence, and your brain just sort of short circuits, right? Because really, Tucker’s a legend, arguably the GOAT kicker, a guy whose name you carve into pro-football Mount Rushmore. The idea of him even trying out for a team, let alone the Saints, well, it’s wildly out of left field. It’s like hearing Tom Brady tried out for the Buccaneers after he already had six rings. Just, no.

But that’s exactly what went down, sort of. The Saints, bless their hearts, apparently had a little kick-off competition going on this week. And while it seemed like a prime opportunity to possibly land a future Hall of Famer – or at least a supremely experienced, clutch veteran – the actual outcome is, shall we say, a bit less dramatic for those of us who enjoy a good splashy signing. Instead of snagging Tucker, the Saints are bringing in Cade York, and sending Blake Grupe packing. It’s a move that’s got everyone scratching their heads, wondering exactly what kind of magic the Saints are cooking up in the special teams department.

The Tucker Tryout That Wasn’t – Or Was It?

So, the whispers started, you know, about Tucker being in New Orleans. And honestly, it made a lot of sense on paper. The Saints have had their moments with kickers, some good, some… less good. Cody Parkey, for example, comes to mind- but that’s a story for another time. When a player of Justin Tucker’s caliber is even remotely available, or apparently looking for work, you’d think every team in the league would be beating down his door. He’s got ice in his veins, a leg like a howitzer, and a resume that makes other kickers weep with envy.

A Legendary Ghost in the Machine?

But the official word- at least according to ESPN sources- is that Tucker simply had a tryout. A tryout! For Justin Tucker! It almost feels like a practice squad player trying out for a starting position. Now, I’m not saying the Saints shouldn’t exercise due diligence, but it raises a few eyebrows, doesn’t it? Was it a genuine look at Tucker, or was it, perhaps, a strategic move to raise the bar for whoever they ultimately signed? Or maybe, just maybe, Tucker himself was just keeping his chops sharp, a bit like a seasoned rock star doing a small club gig just to feel the energy, you know?

• The Enigma: Why Tucker would even entertain a tryout is beyond me, unless he’s truly, somehow, looking for a change of scenery- or maybe just wanted a free trip to New Orleans. Who wouldn’t, right?
• The Reality: It seems like the tryout was more about creating buzz, or perhaps being part of a larger plan to evaluate all options, rather than a serious play for the GOAT. Because if you get Justin Tucker on your field, you pretty much sign him on the spot.

Cade York: From Browns Bust to Saints’ Hope?

Which brings us to Cade York. Now, York’s a fascinating case. He was a fourth-round pick for the Browns in 2022, a pretty high draft capital for a kicker. That tells you what they thought of him. He was a celebrated college kicker at LSU, a powerhouse leg out of the SEC. Everyone was excited. His rookie year, though, had some serious ups and downs. Highs? Yes, absolutely. Game-winners, big kicks. Lows? Also yes. Some really rough misses, pressure situations where things just kinda melted down. And that’s why he’s with the Saints instead of the Browns.

A Second Chance in the Big Easy

This is where it gets interesting, at least for me. York’s talent is undeniable. He’s got the leg strength; he’s shown he can hit from distance. What he struggled with in Cleveland seemed to be consistency and, perhaps, the immense pressure of being “the guy.” He was cut by the Browns earlier this year, then bounced around a bit- even spent some time with the Giants- but didn’t stick. So the Saints, by bringing him to the practice squad and releasing Blake Grupe, are clearly seeing something they like. A reclamation project, perhaps? Or maybe they see that raw talent just waiting to be refined, a kicker who needs a fresh start away from the spotlight he endured in Cleveland.

“Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes for a player to truly find their footing. New coaches, new expectations- it can make all the difference.”

It’s not an insignificant move either, getting rid of Grupe. He’s been the Saints’ kicker for a bit, and while he’s had his moments, you always get the feeling they’re looking for an upgrade. Is York that upgrade? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Can he shake off the memory of his rookie struggles and become the consistent, reliable kicker the Saints desperately need?

The Kicking Carousel Continues

The NFL kicking game, man, it’s brutal. One minute you’re a hero, the next you’re packing your bags. It’s a high-stress, low-margin-for-error job, and teams are constantly looking for that perfect blend of power and precision. The Saints are certainly no exception. This move- bringing in York after a Tucker tryout, and cutting Grupe- just underscores that perpetual search for kicking excellence. They’re clearly not satisfied, and they’re willing to keep turning over stones, even if one of those stones happens to be carved with the name “Justin Tucker.”

So, we’ll be watching Cade York closely. Can he thrive in New Orleans? Will this fresh start be the catalyst he needs? Only time, and a few crucial field goals, will tell. But one thing’s for sure- the Saints aren’t afraid to shake things up in their pursuit of special teams perfection, even if it means having a future Hall of Famer just pop in for a quick visit. It’s a bold strategy, Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for ’em.