Koo's Saints Tryout: A Second Chance For A Veteran Leg

Koo's Saints Tryout: A Second Chance For A Veteran Leg

Former Pro Bowler Younghoe Koo is officially listed on the New Orleans Saints' rookie minicamp roster as a tryout participant, signaling a potentially massive shift in the team’s special teams strategy for 2026.

For a veteran of Koo's caliber to be attending a rookie camp on a "don't call us, we'll call you" basis is both a humbling reality of the league and a savvy gamble by the Saints' front office.

A New Chapter for a Proven Leg

Younghoe Koo isn't just another camp leg. We are talking about a man who was once the gold standard for accuracy in Atlanta, even earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2020. However, the last year has been a roller coaster. After a stint with the Giants in 2025 that saw its fair share of struggles—including a rare "whiff" kick that became a viral footnote, Koo finds himself in the position of having to prove he still belongs in the league.

By bringing him in for the rookie minicamp, the Saints are effectively kicking the tires on a high-ceiling veteran without the immediate pressure of a guaranteed contract.

The Saints' Kicker Crisis

To understand why this tryout matters, look no further than the Saints' chaotic 2025 season. The team moved on from Blake Grupe in Week 13 after he missed eight field goals in just 11 games. Grupe eventually found his footing with the Colts, even setting a franchise record with a 60-yarder, but his departure left a vacuum in New Orleans that the team clearly hasn't felt comfortable filling with just anyone.

Currently, the roster features undrafted free agent Mason Shipley out of Texas. While Shipley represents the "young and cheap" route, a team with postseason aspirations can't afford to leave points on the field.