News broke late Friday that tight end Durham Smythe is reportedly set to terminate his contract with the New Orleans Saints, a surprising move that adds another layer of uncertainty to the team’s ongoing efforts to retool its offense ahead of the 2025 NFL season. While neither Smythe nor the Saints organization has made an official statement, multiple league sources have confirmed that discussions surrounding his departure are in advanced stages, with an announcement expected within days.
The development comes as a shock to many across the NFL landscape. Smythe, 29, signed with the Saints during the 2024 offseason after spending six seasons with the Miami Dolphins. His arrival was heralded as a smart, veteran acquisition—bringing blocking expertise, positional versatility, and leadership to a New Orleans squad looking to stabilize its tight end corps. Smythe had been viewed as a potential safety valve in the Saints’ offense and a complement to their younger receiving threats.
Now, it appears that partnership is ending before it ever truly began.
According to those familiar with the situation, Smythe has expressed dissatisfaction with his role in the team’s offensive plans during OTAs and early offseason workouts. Though he participated fully in initial sessions and was praised by coaches for his professionalism, insiders say he grew increasingly frustrated with limited reps and unclear expectations within the offensive scheme.
“There’s been a breakdown in alignment between what Durham was brought in to do and how the Saints are currently structuring their offense,” one source close to the situation explained. “He’s not someone who wants to collect a paycheck and sit on the bench—he wants to play meaningful snaps. And right now, that path looks uncertain in New Orleans.”
In Miami, Smythe carved out a solid reputation as a durable, dependable role player. While never the focal point of the Dolphins’ passing game, he became a fixture in two-tight end sets and earned praise for his run blocking and football IQ. His quiet consistency helped him stick with the team through multiple coaching changes, and he earned a contract extension in 2022 that signaled Miami’s appreciation for his contributions.
When the Saints signed him last year, it was seen as a perfect match. New Orleans was transitioning under new offensive leadership, and Smythe’s veteran savvy and work ethic made him a strong fit for a system that emphasized balance and flexibility at the tight end position. But as new schemes evolved, sources say Smythe began to sense that he was not central to the team’s future plans. Younger tight ends, including third-year player Juwan Johnson and recent draft pick Kole Taylor, reportedly saw more opportunities in early drills.
Compounding matters is the broader context of the Saints’ offseason. With questions at quarterback and along the offensive line, head coach Dennis Allen and his staff have been shuffling personnel in hopes of identifying a cohesive identity. That process appears to have left Smythe on the margins, and after weeks of internal discussion, he is now moving toward a mutual separation.
From a contractual standpoint, Smythe’s departure is expected to be a termination rather than a trade or post-June 1 release. This suggests that both sides are willing to part ways amicably and without the complications of seeking compensation. Financially, the Saints would recoup some cap space, while Smythe would become an unrestricted free agent—free to sign with any team that values his experience and skill set.
Several teams are likely to be interested. League insiders point to franchises like the New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears—teams with either thin tight end depth charts or a history of valuing blocking-first tight ends—as potential landing spots. Given his experience, Smythe could become an attractive mid-summer addition for a contending team looking to solidify its roster before training camp.
For the Saints, Smythe’s departure leaves yet another hole to fill, particularly in a locker room that has seen its share of turnover. While not a marquee name, Smythe brought a quiet leadership and professionalism that the team will now have to replace. For a franchise seeking stability and cohesion, losing a veteran voice—even a relatively new one—adds another wrinkle to an already complex offseason.
As the NFL calendar shifts toward mandatory minicamps and training camp, all eyes will be on what Smythe decides next. Known for his discipline and team-first mentality,
