Down's Charlie Smyth joins the New Orleans Saints on a three-year contract

Former Down Under-20 goalkeeper Charlie Smyth has signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.

RTÉ Sport confirmed the news with Smyth's agent, the ProStar Sports agency.

The 22-year-old Mayobridge man penned the deal after visiting the club's facility today.

Smyth becomes the first Irishman to sign a contract as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP).

Four Irish athletes, including three leading GAA players, recently took part in the University of South Florida's NFL pro day.

The Irish quartet, consisting of Smyth, Rory Beggan, Mark Jackson and Darragh Leader, were all part of the NFL’s 15-strong IPP Class of 2024.

After performing successfully at a recent combine in Indianapolis, the Florida camp was another chance for them to showcase their kicking and punting skills, and Smyth definitely impressed again.

Tadhg Leader, Smyth's IPP coach and owner of Leader Kicking, reacted to the news of his signing on X.

"I first met Charlie six months months ago. He and his family put their trust in me. Then we embarked on a journey into the unknown", he said. "Ireland couldn’t have a better ambassador in Charlie".

Smyth's off-season workouts are expected to start with the team in the middle of this month. In May, he will join up with the team when rookie training camps start, while training camp will start for Smyth in July. The NFL season begins on 5 September.

Check out this unreal 63-yard rocket from IPP Class of '24 prospect Charlie Smyth!!