Blake Grupe’s Departure Opens Door For Cade York’s Louisiana Return

The New Orleans Saints are shaking things up on special teams...and it’s a name that will ring some serious bells for Tiger fans. After a tough stretch of missed opportunities, the team has officially parted ways with kicker Blake Grupe and brought in former LSU standout Cade York to the practice squad.

This move comes after Grupe struggled mightily in the recent loss to Atlanta, missing two critical field goals that helped seal the Saints' fate. York beat out several other options during a Tuesday workout...including NFL veteran Justin Tucker...to earn his shot at redemption in the dome.

The Saints Turned to an LSU National Champion

Fans across Louisiana remember York fondly as a key piece of that magical 2019 National Championship run. He was the guy with ice in his veins...nailing big kicks when the pressure was highest. Now he gets a chance to do the same for the Saints.

After York's prolific LSU career, he actually became an NFL rarity: a kicker that was selected in the NFL Draft.

The Cleveland Browns selected York with the 124th pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He played in 17 games for the Browns his rookie season, making 24 or 32 field goal attempts. He converted 35 of 37 extra points on the season as well. But when 2023 rolled around, the Browns traded for veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins, which left York out of the picture.

He spent time over the last two seasons bouncing from the Tennessee Titans to the New York Giants, over to Washington, then on to Cincinnati. Last year with the Bengals, York hit his career long field goal with a 59 yarder.

After the last couple of weeks, the Saints need a spark on offense. After falling to a dismal 2-9 record this season, with the offense struggling to find the endzone, leaving points on the field became a luxury the team simply couldn't afford anymore.

The Battle for the Number One Pick

Looking ahead, the schedule offers a mixed bag...but the real focus for many fans has shifted to the 2026 NFL Draft order. The most critical matchup remaining on the slate might actually be the December 28th showdown against the Tennessee Titans...a game that will be glossed "Tank Bowl", since it could decide who walks away with the top overall selection.

With the Saints currently sitting in the third draft slot, the conversation with fans across Louisiana is turning toward the future, and who could be the next face of the franchise. More or less, do the Saints have the guts to draft a quarterback high after taking Tyler Shough in the second round last year?

There is a growing buzz about potentially keeping things local by targeting LSU standout Garrett Nussmeier...a move that would electrify the fanbase and bring a true Louisiana connection back to the quarterback room. But you always have to remember: the Saints seem allergic to drafting LSU players. Especially in the first round...in fact, the Saints have NEVER taken an LSU Tiger in the first round of the NFL Draft.