Saints release K Garrett Hartley
The New Orleans saints have waived kicker Garrett Hartley.
The six-year vet had a roller coaster season with the Saints, making 22 of 30 kicks (73 per cent), including two missed field goals Sunday in a 27-16 loss to the Rams.
BREAKING: New Orleans Saints waive kicker Garrett Hartley http://t.co/XhiXigiRf4
— NOLAsports (@NOLAsports) December 17, 2013
Hartley has spent his entire career with the Saints (10-4) with a lifetime record of 82 for 101. He kicked the Saints into Super Bowl XLIV, knocking in three field goals over 40 yards in the franchise's only championship.
Last Sunday he had a 36-yard field goal blocked and and shanked a 26-yard attempt. He did, however, make a 45-yard attempt in the same game.
Who will handle kicking duties for the remainder of the season is anyone's guess, although the team did work out a number of kickers last month:
No word on new kicker, but #Saints worked out Derek Dimke, Shayne Graham, Brandon McManus, John Potter, Neil Rackers last month.
— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) December 17, 2013
After Sunday's loss, Saints coach Sean Payton said they were looking "every element" of the team.
"I told the team in the team meeting we are looking closely at each aspect of this team," Payton told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “I just think it’s important for us to do that, whether it’s a tackle position or whether it’s a player on defense. The one thing I know I don’t want to do is repeat the process over and over again.”
Has to be a tough decision for Sean Payton. Season could now rest on leg of a player who hasn't been with them all year. So much at stake.
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) December 17, 2013