Koo's Saints Tryout: A Second Chance For A Veteran Leg
The former All-Pro seeks redemption in New Orleans, battling for a roster spot following a kicking crisis that left the Saints desperate for veteran stability and precision.
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. The New Orleans #Saints will have two kickers in attendance at this weekend’s rookie minicamp.
Younghoe Koo joins UDFA Mason Shipley as kickers looking to compete with Charlie Smyth. pic. twitter.
com/gAF2zsHn86 — Matt DeGregorio (@Matt_DeGregorio) May 6, 2026 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.