NEW ORLEANS — NFL insider Ian Rapoport took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to announce that New Orleans kicker Wil Lutz was traded to the Denver Broncos.
The trade marks a reunion between Lutz and former Saints head coach Sean Payton, who is in his first year at the helm in Denver.
It also signifies the faith Payton's successor, Dennis Allen, has in undrafted rookie kicker Blake Grupe. The diminutive 5-foot-7, 156-pounder from Notre Dame went two-of-three, including 38- and 50-yarders, in the Saints' preseason finale against the Texans.
Despite being the Saints' most accurate kicker in Franchise history, the 29-year-old Lutz was the 32nd most accurate in the NFL last season. He missed the 2021 season due to abdominal surgery.
Our partners at 9News reported that the Saints will receive a 2024 seventh-round pick for Lutz.
Lutz thanked New Orleans in an Instagram post saying, "New Orleans, thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Being able to rock the Black and Gold has been an absolute honor. We started a family here, made lifelong friends, and made memories we’ll never forget. This city will always be a special place to us. Proud of everything we accomplished in our 7 years together….Pro Bowl, 4 Division champs, and leaving with the 2nd most points in team history. New Orleans, I’ll always be a part of the WhoDatNation⚜️! Excited for the next chapter of our lives….Broncos Country….Let’s Ride."
The move comes as the Saints have until 3 p.m. to cut the roster to 53.
According to our partners at The Times Picayune | Nola.com, Lutz's agent was not in favor of the decision to trade his client.
"He didn’t lose his job. The Saints just made a poor decision," John Perla told Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. "The better player is not the one who is left on the Saints’ roster, I’ll tell you that."
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