Blake Grupe Speaks Out After Saints' Surprising Release Following Struggling Season
The New Orleans Saints made a significant change on Tuesday.
After three seasons as the Saints' kicker, Blake Grupe is out. Grupe struggled this season and went 18-of-26 on field goals, including just 2-for-5 on kicks between 40 and 49 yards. His 69.2 percent accuracy this season on field goals is ranked 38th in the entire NFL. Only Joshua Karty is behind Grupe at 66.7 percent, although he has had just 15 opportunities.
Grupe was significantly better over the last two seasons. Last year, he drilled 87.1 percent of his field goal tries (27-of-31). Unfortunately, things didn't work out this season and now New Orleans is turning to Cade York in his place.
The Saints made a significant change
On Tuesday after the news came out, Grupe took to social media to thank Saints fans.
"Thank you New Orleans," Grupe wrote. "This organization took a chance on me and I’ve gave everything I had to them and this city every Sunday for these last 3 years. I’m thankful for all the coaches and players that have supported me along the way. Nobody wanted it to work more than me. Can’t wait for my next opportunity to prove what I can do. 1 Thessalonians 5:18."
Grupe was one of the Saints' captains this season. He's also not even the only former Saints captain to be gone. Brandin Cooks was named as one of the team's captains for the 2025 season as well, but the two sides went in a different direction and now he's a member of the Buffalo Bills. Erik McCoy is another captain who isn't taking the field with the team right now. He's still with New Orleans, but is injured.
It's been a long season so far. Problems in the kicking game helped to add to that. There's no way to know right now if York will be a long-term solution for the franchise, but the Saints are at least trying something new. It's unfortunate, but necessary after the season Grupe was having.
Commanders Navigate Tough Season by Developing Young Talent While Fighting to Stay Competitive
The Washington Commanders are in a difficult season where the present and future are pulling in different directions.
Injuries, depth issues and growing pains have forced the coaching staff to get creative with their personnel decisions.
Dan Quinn addressed that challenge this week when asked about balancing playing time for young players versus leaning on veterans.
Commanders Look to Develop Young Talent While Staying Competitive
The Commanders are in a spot where they must walk a tightrope. On one hand, they want to stay competitive every week. On the other, their season has required them to rely on young players who need reps to develop. Quinn was open about that challenge and how the staff is trying to manage it the right way.
“Yeah, it is a great question and you are trying to find the balance between both winning now and developing for tomorrow as well. There are some people that I think are making those steps, like Jordan Magee is one that I am feeling that type of step going to the next spot, but you have to be able to try to do both. I was pleased to see Jacoby Jones make a big play in the game last week at receiver. And so, when those moments come and you are helping the guys develop, that is a big deal.”
Quinn went on to explain how practice structure plays a big role in this process. Instead of only running carded scout team looks, Washington builds in opportunities to evaluate younger players in real competition settings. That includes more meaningful reps, third down competitions and moments where less experienced players can show whether they are ready for more responsibility.
Players like linebacker Jordan Magee have already earned Quinn’s trust, and others such as defensive backs Car’lin Vigers and Rob McDaniel are working to earn more chances.
Quinn Uses Practice for Player Development
Quinn emphasized that the Commanders coaching staff has created an environment built to speed up development without sacrificing the team’s competitiveness on Sundays.
“What we also do here is… we spend extra time with the players who do not have as much experience to get them into practices, get the meaningful reps, see them compete. And that is why I like having a full crew to be able to practice and do that. We have expanded our competitions at practice today because we have more people that can do it. So, the trickle down effect of that is more people get those third down competition reps today, a guy like Vigers and McDaniel, those who are literally waiting for their chance to get some more chances. It is a big deal.”
This is important for Washington because, due to injuries and overall roster turnover, the team is relying on young players more than ever. Getting those players up to speed is not just a long term project; it directly affects the Commanders’ ability to compete each week.
Quinn’s challenge is finding that balance between preparing for the future while still pushing to win in the present. And based on the effort put into practice structure and development, Washington seems committed to doing both.
