If you thought the kicker carousel had finally stopped spinning after a few clutch kicks from Brian Johnson, guess again.
The rookie missed a pair of crucial PATs in a 23-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 10, and he was waived by the team on Friday. But the "next" man up is actually the first one. Brett Maher was elevated from the practice squad, according to reports, after re-signing with New Orleans earlier this week.
Montravius Adams was also brought back on the Saints' practice squad.
The name Maher should sound at least somewhat familiar. The former Cowboys placekicker was the first potential replacement signed after Wil Lutz opted for surgery to repair a core muscle injury. Maher was active for the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, but suffered an injury in warmup and was waived after the game.
Since then the Saints have shuffled through veterans in short stints with Aldrick Rosas and Cody Parkey. Johnson was signed off the Bears' practice squad and hit on all his field goal attempts -- just one of which came from outside 50 yards -- but missed on three PATs.
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The paradigm has changed a bit since Maher was last in town. At that point it was believed Lutz would return at some point this season. He came off injured reserve several weeks ago with a return appearing imminent. But a setback in rehab sent the Saints back to the drawing board, with their rock-solid kicker done for the year.
Maher's first game environment won't exactly be a pleasant one for the kickers. The Saints head up to Philadelphia in November, with the elements always presenting an added challenge later in the season. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 40s to low 50s, but with no precipitation and only light winds expected.
Brett Maher's last field goal attempt came in the 2019 season with the Cowboys. In his career he's made 68 of 69 PATs, and 49 of 66 field goal attempts. He's also been an impressive kicker from range in his career, with makes from 62 and 63 yards, respectively, in his two years with the Cowboys.
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