Report: Lutz Traded To Broncos
As first reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints are trading K Wil Lutz to the Denver Broncos. Lutz will be reunited with coach Sean Payton, who signed him off waivers as a rookie in 2016.
Denver is sending a 2024 seventh-round draft choice to the Saints in return for Lutz.
The new Saints kicker will now be undrafted rookie Blake Grupe. Both players were extremely sharp throughout training camp and all three preseason games. Lutz hit all of his four field goal tries, including a 51-yarder.
Grupe was 5 for 6 on his field goal attempts, only narrowly missed a 60-yard try against Houston. He hit the game-winning kick against Kansas City and nailed a 50-yard attempt against the Texans.
Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans Saints place kicker Wil Lutz (3) looks on against the Houston Texans. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY
Lutz, 29, leaves New Orleans as second in franchise history for points scored (781) behind only Hall of Fame K Morten Andersen. He's also second in extra points (286) and third in field goals converted (165) in franchise history. In 2019, Lutz set a Saints franchise record with 32 field goals, breaking his own mark of 31 in 2017.
Wil Lutz converted 84.6% of his field goal attempts in six years with the Saints, including nearly 59% from beyond 50 yards. He also hit his extra points with a 97.6% accuracy.
