Blake Grupe Finds New Opportunity with Indianapolis Colts After Saints’ Setback

In a stunning move, Blake Grupe, the former New Orleans Saints kicker, has found a new home with the Indianapolis Colts. After a challenging season that saw him released by the Saints, Grupe’s resilience has paid off, earning him a spot on the Colts’

practice squad. And while it may have seemed like his career was in jeopardy, Grupe is proving that it’s far from over.

Grupe’s journey has been one of highs and lows. The

former top kicker for the Saints was once hailed as a potential franchise player. After a promising start, including being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Grupe quickly won the starting kicker job over

Pro Bowler Wil Lutz. However, inconsistency crept in, and by mid-2025, Grupe’s time with the Saints came to an end after a disappointing performance. Despite making just 75 of 94 field goals (79.8%)

and 86 of 88 extra points (97.7%), Grupe’s time with New Orleans ended on a sour note, but it wasn’t the end of his journey.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the

CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, made it clear why the team was excited to give Grupe another chance:
"Blake Grupe has shown great resilience and determination throughout his career, and we're thrilled to bring him into our organization. We believe he will be a valuable asset to our special teams, and we're excited to see what he can bring to the field as we continue to build a competitive team."

Grupe’s move to the Colts comes after NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the kicker impressed during his workout, just before the Colts made the decision to release kicker Michael Badgley

. The Colts are looking for a spark on special teams, and Grupe could be exactly what they need. With his strong work ethic and experience, Grupe’s journey isn’t just about redemption—it’s about proving that he belongs.

At 31 years old, Grupe is determined to carve out a meaningful role with the Colts, who are in the midst of their own playoff push. Despite the rough start, the Colts are still in contention, and Grupe will be fighting for his place on the field. He has the opportunity to join a

team with playoff aspirations, and if he continues to shine in spring training, he could very well earn a spot on the active roster.

Grupe’s story is one of perseverance.

In the face of adversity, he has never backed down. With his move to Indianapolis, Grupe gets another chance to show what he’s capable of. And while his past with the Saints was rocky, the future with the Colts is looking much brighter.

If anyone can turn their career around, it’s Blake Grupe.

As the Colts continue their quest for the postseason, all eyes will be on Grupe—will he rise to the occasion and make an impact on special teams, or will this chapter of his NFL story be another setback? Regardless of the outcome, Grupe’s journey serves as an inspiration to every player who faces adversity and refuses to quit.

Blake Grupe’s comeback story is just beginning. As he takes his next steps with the Indianapolis Colts, the NFL world will be watching closely to see if this former Saints kicker can turn his dreams into reality once again.

Cubs Add Former Phillies Top Prospect Scott Kingery on Minor-League Deal, Hoping for a Career Revival

The Chicago Cubs have made a move to bolster their utility depth by signing

Scott Kingery, the former Philadelphia Phillies top prospect, to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. The 31-year-old Kingery, who has struggled to establish himself as a full-time big-leaguer, will now look to rebuild his career with the Cubs after a tough season with the

Los Angeles Angels.

Kingery's career began with high expectations. Once ranked as high as No. 2 on the Phillies’ top prospects list in 2018, Kingery also made it to

34th on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list, ahead of future All-Stars like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Brandon Woodruff. He signed a $24 million pre-arbitration extension
with the Phillies in 2018, cementing his place as one of the team’s rising stars. However, his journey has been far from smooth, with Kingery struggling to live up to the hype. He played

325 major league games with the Phillies, but his time in the big leagues was marked by inconsistency.

After a disappointing 2024 season with the Angels, where he was designated for assignment multiple times and struggled to make an impact with just

four hits in 29 plate appearances, Kingery found himself in need of a fresh start. Fortunately for him, the Chicago Cubs offered him that chance.

The Cubs, under the leadership of

Jed Hoyer, are bringing Kingery in to provide depth across their roster. Hoyer expressed optimism about Kingery's ability to contribute: "We’re excited to bring in Scott Kingery as part of our depth options. He’s a versatile player who can contribute in multiple positions, and we believe he still has the potential to make an impact at the MLB level. We look forward to seeing what he can bring to spring training and how he competes for a spot on the roster."

Though the Cubs’ roster is deep, Kingery’s ability to play virtually every position except pitcher and catcher makes him an intriguing option as a utility player. Willi Castro, a similar player on the Cubs’ playoff roster, is now a

free agent, and with this in mind, Kingery’s versatility could be a valuable asset for the team moving forward.

Despite his career having a few bumps along the way,

Kingery remains hopeful. His time with the Phillies, where he struggled to make a lasting impact, hasn’t diminished his belief in his own abilities. With this new opportunity in Chicago, Kingery is determined to prove that he can still make a significant impact at the MLB level.

If he can impress during spring training, Kingery could earn a spot on the Cubs’ active roster for the 2025 season, giving him a chance to finally realize the potential that once made him a top prospect. For the Cubs, this low-risk move could pay off with a solid, all-around player who can provide depth across multiple positions, ensuring their roster remains flexible throughout the season.

As Kingery begins this new chapter with the Cubs, it will be exciting to see whether he can overcome the struggles of the past and carve out a meaningful role in Chicago. If anyone can turn around their career, it’s a player with the determination and drive that

Scott Kingery continues to show.

Sport

Blake Grupe Finds New Opportunity with Indianapolis Colts After Saints’ Setback—Ready to Make His Mark

Cubs Add Former Phillies Top Prospect Scott Kingery on Minor-League Deal, Hoping for a Career Revival