Skip to main content
Advertising

Around the League

Presented By

Garrett Hartley cut by Saints; Shayne Graham signs

Sean Payton has run out of patience in Garrett Hartley.

The Saints waived Hartley on Tuesday, ending the kicker's six-year tenure in New Orleans. Hartley had been a disappointment this season, making just 22-of-30 field-goal attempts. The final straw came Sunday, when Hartley missed two of three kicks in a 27-16 loss to the St. Louis Rams.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday night that the Saints will sign veteran kicker Shayne Graham to replace Hartley. Rapoport cited a person informed of the impending deal.

A frustrated Payton hinted a shake-up could be coming after a second loss in three weeks. The team also waived cornerback Chris Carr.

Hartley's job had been in danger for some time. In November, the Saints worked out five kickers, including Graham and Neil Rackers, before making the decision to stand pat.

Hartley will always have a special place in franchise history as the kicker for the team's lone Super Bowl championship squad. His 40-yard field goal ended an NFC Championship Game classic against the Minnesota Vikings in 2010.

Graham will go directly into the fire. The Saints will visit the Carolina Pantherson Sunday in a showdown that could decide the NFC South.

UPDATED: Payton announced Graham's signing during his Wednesday's news conference.

*The latest "Around The League Podcast" broke down the Cowboys loss and every other Week 15 game. *

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content