Down’s loss is, undoubtedly, a huge gain for the New Orleans Saints after the NFL franchise signed Charlie Smyth on Friday.
Smyth impressed during the NFL Combine and again during a recent Pro Day in Florida and was invited to a try out with the Saints on Thursday.Things moved swiftly for the 22-year-old from Mayobridge as reports emerged on Friday afternoon that he was being signed by the Saints with defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs also signing Welsh Rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit from the IPP.
NFL franchises can run with a squad of 90 players during the off-season, but that gets cuts to a roster of 53 for the regular season. This year, all 32 teams will be given an additional roster spot on their practise squads specifically for players who have come through the IPP.