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

Getty
The Denver Broncos just got a surprising bit of kicker news out of Sean Payton’s old building.
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.
The #Saints are releasing K Blake Grupe after he missed 2 FGs on Sunday and has missed 8 on the year.
New Orleans traded Wil Lutz to Denver in 2023 in order to make Grupe their kicker…
Lutz just got a 3-year extension with the Broncos… Grupe gets released in New Orleans. https://t.co/BqlPuBU6CB pic.twitter.com/mChpIEsPpD
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 25, 2025
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.
BREAKING: Caleb Williams Shocks Steelers After Explosive 28-31 Collapse at Soldier Field

CHICAGO, IL — The atmosphere at Soldier Field on Sunday night was electric, yet the final whistle would soon reveal the full extent of the drama that had unfolded on the field. In what many are already calling one of the most shocking collapses of the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell 28-31 to the Chicago Bears in a game that has sent shockwaves through the NFL.

As the final moments of the game ticked away, the Steelers were on the verge of victory. With a one-point lead, it seemed as though they would escape with a crucial road win. But Caleb Williams, the Bears' young and electric quarterback, had other plans. In a series of rapid, flawless plays, Williams drove the Bears down the field, ultimately throwing a game-winning touchdown with only seconds left on the clock. The stadium erupted in celebration, but little did fans know that the drama was just beginning.
Moments after the game, a furious Mike Tomlin stormed onto the field, his face flushed with anger. "HE CHEATED!" Tomlin screamed, pointing directly at Williams, accusing the Bears' quarterback of using high-tech equipment to manipulate the game. The outburst took everyone by surprise, as the usually composed head coach exploded with rage. The tension was palpable, as players and officials looked on, stunned by the accusation.
Tomlin didn't stop there. He demanded that the NFL immediately launch an emergency investigation into the matter, insisting that the integrity of the game had been compromised. As the media cameras zoomed in on the scene, the entire stadium watched in disbelief as Tomlin's words echoed across the field. The situation became even more surreal when Caleb Williams, calm and collected despite the heated exchange, slowly raised his head from his huddle of teammates.

With a cold, steely gaze, Williams flashed a confident smile before delivering exactly 15 words: "I don’t cheat, Mike. I just outplayed you." The statement sent shockwaves through the stadium. The silence that followed was deafening as fans tried to process what they had just heard.
As Tomlin stood frozen in shock, his face drained of color, the Steelers’ sideline was left in disarray. Was Tomlin's accusation a legitimate concern, or was it the result of a frustrated coach unable to cope with a bitter loss? The NFL world exploded into debate as analysts and fans alike weighed in on the situation.
For Williams, this moment only adds to his growing legend. The rookie quarterback has become a lightning rod for attention, not just because of his on-field talent but now because of the firestorm he has ignited off the field. The Bears have found their future in Williams, and the football world is watching closely to see how this explosive situation unfolds.
As for the Steelers, the loss marks another setback in a season that has been filled with ups and downs. Tomlin's words have left many questioning not just the integrity of the game but also the mental toughness of his team. The NFL's next steps remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: this game will be remembered as much for what happened after the final whistle as for the electrifying finish.