Breaking News: Charlie Smyth Signs Two-Year Contract with the New Orleans Saints
In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL community, the New Orleans Saints have officially announced the signing of defensive tackle Charlie Smyth to a two-year contract. Smyth, who spent the past few seasons as a key player for the Jacksonville Jaguars, will now bring his formidable skills and leadership to New Orleans, providing a significant boost to the Saints’ defense.
This move is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Saints, who are coming off a season filled with both highs and lows. Smyth’s addition to the defensive line is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the team’s front seven, which will be pivotal in their efforts to return to playoff contention in the upcoming season. The Saints’ front office and coaching staff have made it clear that they believe Smyth can be a cornerstone of their defensive plans moving forward.
A Look at Charlie Smyth’s Career
Charlie Smyth, 28, has long been regarded as one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the NFL. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 310 pounds, Smyth has the size, power, and quickness that make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and running backs alike. He was originally drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars and quickly made a name for himself as a tenacious and versatile force on the defensive line.
Over his first six seasons with the Jaguars, Smyth has accumulated over 30 sacks, with his best year coming in 2022 when he posted 10 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. Known for his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt plays, Smyth has proven to be effective both against the run and in rushing the passer. His ability to be a consistent presence on the field, especially in critical situations, has made him one of the most coveted defensive linemen in the league.
In Jacksonville, Smyth formed a strong partnership with fellow defensive tackle Josh Allen, helping the Jaguars establish one of the league’s most formidable front fours. His aggressive style of play and high motor allowed him to routinely command double-teams, freeing up teammates to make plays. However, after a turbulent season with the Jaguars in 2024, which saw the team miss the playoffs despite high expectations, Smyth found himself looking for a new home.
The Saints’ Defensive Needs
For the New Orleans Saints, adding a player of Smyth’s caliber was a necessary move to bolster a defense that has been inconsistent in recent years. Despite boasting some standout players, including linebacker Demario Davis and cornerback Marshon Lattimore, the Saints’ defensive line has often struggled to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In 2024, the Saints ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of sacks, and their run defense was vulnerable at times, particularly in the latter half of the season.
The Saints front office, led by General Manager Mickey Loomis, identified the defensive line as a priority area to address heading into the offseason. While the team has invested in its offense, including adding several weapons for quarterback Derek Carr, the defense remains the foundation of the Saints’ success. Head coach Dennis Allen has been known for his defensive expertise, and adding a proven playmaker like Charlie Smyth was seen as essential to his long-term vision for the team.
In a statement released following the signing, Allen expressed his excitement about Smyth’s arrival. “Charlie is a dynamic player with a relentless motor,” Allen said. “He has proven himself as one of the top defensive tackles in the league, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass will be a huge asset to our defense, and we believe he will be a key part of our plans moving forward.”
Smyth’s versatility will allow the Saints to use him in a variety of roles, both as a pass rusher on passing downs and as a run stopper in base defense. His experience and leadership will also be invaluable to a young defensive line that includes rising stars like Payton Turner and Carl Granderson. With Smyth in the fold, the Saints are hoping to solidify their defense and make a deeper playoff push in 2025.
Charlie Smyth’s Impact on the New Orleans Saints
The addition of Charlie Smyth to the Saints’ roster instantly elevates the team’s defensive line. His pass-rushing ability, combined with his run-stopping prowess, will make the Saints’ front seven more balanced and difficult for opposing offenses to game plan against. One of Smyth’s greatest strengths is his ability to collapse the pocket, allowing the Saints’ linebackers and defensive backs to make plays on the ball. His presence should create more opportunities for the Saints to generate turnovers, which has been a key focus for the team’s defensive strategy.
Another major benefit of Smyth’s signing is his experience. At just 28 years old, he is still in the prime of his career, but he has already accumulated significant experience in high-stress, high-stakes games. His leadership and work ethic will be instrumental in mentoring younger players on the defensive line. Specifically, players like Turner and Granderson, who have shown promise but need to develop further, will benefit greatly from Smyth’s guidance. With Smyth alongside them, the Saints have the potential to develop one of the most formidable defensive lines in the NFC.
Smyth’s signing also gives the Saints a more dynamic defensive front, one that can rotate players in and out without losing much production. This depth will be crucial over the course of the season, especially with the grueling nature of an NFL schedule. By adding Smyth, the Saints have addressed a major need while simultaneously improving their overall depth on the defensive line.
The Financials of the Deal
The terms of Charlie Smyth’s two-year contract with the Saints have been revealed, with the defensive tackle set to earn a total of $18 million over the duration of the deal. This includes a signing bonus of $6 million and base salaries that are structured to provide the Saints with salary cap flexibility. The contract also includes incentives based on performance metrics such as sack totals, tackles for loss, and playoff appearances.
The deal is a significant investment for the Saints, but one that makes sense given Smyth’s proven track record and the team’s defensive needs. By locking him down for two years, the Saints have secured a key piece of their defensive puzzle while maintaining the financial flexibility to address other areas of the roster in the future.
The Road Ahead for the Saints
With Charlie Smyth now in the fold, the New Orleans Saints have positioned themselves as one of the more intriguing teams in the NFC heading into the 2025 season. Their defense is shaping up to be one of the league’s top units, and with a strong offense led by quarterback Derek Carr, the team will be looking to make a serious run at the playoffs.
The Saints’ front office has made it clear that they are all-in on building a championship contender, and Smyth’s signing is just the latest move in that direction. With a deep roster, experienced leadership, and a balanced attack on both sides of the ball, the Saints will be a team to watch in the coming years.
While the signing of Charlie Smyth is a significant development, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Saints’ defense. The next step for the team will be to build chemistry and cohesion among their defensive players, ensuring that they can perform at the highest level when the games matter most. With Smyth’s addition, the Saints are well-equipped to challenge for supremacy in the NFC South and beyond.
Conclusion
The signing of Charlie Smyth to a two-year contract represents a major step forward for the New Orleans Saints. As one of the league’s most disruptive defensive tackles, Smyth brings a wealth of talent, experience, and leadership to the Saints’ defensive line. His presence will undoubtedly improve the team’s ability to both stop the run and rush the passer, while his mentorship of younger players will help develop the next generation of defensive stars in New Orleans.
As the Saints move into the 2025 season, they are better positioned than ever to contend for the playoffs and beyond. With a well-rounded roster, a dynamic defense led by Smyth, and an offense that is beginning to gel, the Saints are poised to make a deep run in the NFC. Fans can look forward to an exciting season of football in New Orleans, with Charlie Smyth playing a key role in the team’s success.
