Broncos Get Surprising Kicker News From Saints That Has Sean Payton Going Viral

NFL insider Ari Meirov reported that the New Orleans Saints are moving on from kicker Blake Grupe after multiple misses this season, less than two years after trading Wil Lutz to Denver so Grupe could take over the job.

The twist has Broncos Country talking. Lutz just landed a three-year extension with the Broncos, while Grupe is out in New Orleans and the Saints are pivoting to Cade York — a sequence that quickly sent the “Sean Payton doesn’t miss” meme flying around social media.

Lutz’s recent extension serves as a stark contrast

In a twist that has Broncos Country smiling, Lutz is a secured, proven kicker in the NFL, while Grupe is out in New Orleans as the Saints pivot to former Browns pick Cade York.

It did not take long for Broncos Twitter to connect the dots. The account Denver Broncos 365 quote-posted Meirov’s report with a four-word summary of the whole saga: “Sean Payton doesn’t miss.”

The Saints Moved On From Wil Lutz, but the Broncos Didn’t

When Payton arrived in Denver, one of his first reunion moves was to bring in Lutz, who spent his first seven NFL seasons kicking for the Saints under Payton. New Orleans traded Lutz to the Broncos in 2023 specifically to clear the way for Grupe, an undrafted rookie with a big leg and upside.

The gamble never fully paid off. According to Meirov’s post, Grupe’s two misses this weekend pushed his total to eight on the year, a rough number for a team looking for any semblance of stability. After sticking with him through the bumps, the Saints finally pulled the plug and are turning to York.

Meanwhile, Lutz quietly settled in as Denver’s steady leg. He impressed Payton enough to earn a new three-year deal, locking him in as the Broncos’ long-term answer at kicker while the Saints will now be onto their third option since the original trade.

For Broncos fans, the optics are juicy — especially for New Orleans.

What It Means for Sean Payton & the Broncos

On the field, nothing changes immediately for Denver. Lutz was already under contract and entrenched as the starter.

But the move in New Orleans reinforces the idea that Payton’s trust in his former kicker was more than just nostalgia. Denver cycled through kickers in recent seasons; now they have stability at a position that often only gets noticed when things go wrong.

It also adds another small data point in Payton’s favor as the Broncos continue leveling up their roster and building a contender. The head coach took plenty of heat for veteran-leaning decisions early in his Denver tenure. This one, at least, looks like a clear win: the team that gave up Lutz is still searching for answers, while the team that acquired him just doubled down.

If Lutz continues to deliver in key late-season spots, the contrast between Denver’s stability and New Orleans’ revolving door could look even sharper.

‘Sean Payton Doesn’t Miss’: Broncos Fans React to Blake Grupe Release

The kicker news immediately turned into a mini-victory lap on social media.

Broncos fans responded to the Grupe report with screenshots of Lutz’s extension, jokes about the original trade and plenty of Payton memes. The “Sean Payton doesn’t miss” line quickly became the go-to caption as fans pointed out that the coach’s faith in Lutz has already outlasted the Saints’ patience with Grupe.

It is only a kicker move, but in a league where thin margins decide seasons, Broncos Country will happily claim any win it can — especially one that makes a former Payton team look like it backed the wrong leg.

‘I’m Not Backing Down’: Jayden Daniels Sends Defiant Message About His Return

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has made it clear that his journey back from injury isn’t just about returning to the field — it’s about coming back stronger and ready to lead. In a recent statement, Daniels delivered a powerful message to both his team and fans:

"When I’m healthy, I’m ready to fight. I’m not just coming back to play — I’m coming back to lead. This team needs me, and I’m not backing down from that. It’s about heart, it’s about will, and I’ve got plenty of both."

This message comes after Daniels dealt with multiple injuries this season, including a knee sprain, a hamstring strain, and most recently, a dislocated left elbow. Despite the setbacks, the young quarterback remains focused and determined, not just on his personal recovery but on his return to full strength for the Commanders. With the team struggling at 3-8 and on a six-game losing streak, Daniels’ leadership and determination are more crucial than ever.

Daniels’ injury timeline has been frustrating, but his message shows a level of confidence and resolve that can’t be ignored. He’s not just looking to recover for his own sake; he’s fully aware of the role he plays in the Commanders’ future. His leadership skills have been widely recognized, and he believes that the team will only benefit from his return when he’s fully ready.

Despite the injuries that have kept him off the field, Daniels has been a vocal and supportive presence for his teammates. His focus on coming back when he’s at his best speaks to his mentality — it’s about more than just playing through pain. It’s about coming back with a purpose, ready to fight for his team, and lead them in the right direction.

Daniels’ commitment to return stronger than before is exactly the kind of message the Commanders need as they look to turn their season around. He’s not settling for simply getting back on the field; he wants to be the player that leads them to victory. With the team in need of a spark, Daniels’ words are a clear signal to both his teammates and fans that he will not back down, no matter the challenge ahead.

As the team heads into their bye week, Daniels is expected to take the necessary time to fully recover and prepare for his return. When that happens, the Commanders will have not just a healthy quarterback, but a determined leader who is ready to help them turn their season around.

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