One thing that never changes in the NFL is the instability at the kicker position, and despite being the defending Super Bowl champions, the Saints  are no more immune from that than any other team.

Shortly after suffering a heartbreaking loss at home this afternoon to the Falcons, thanks in large part to their kicker Garrett Hartley muffing a 29 yard field goal in overtime that would have won the game, Sports Illustrated;s Peter King reported that New Orleans would be bringing in free agents to compete with Hartley for the starting job.

Up to this point, Saints head coach Sean Payton had remained steadfast in Hartley’s corner, in spite of him missing several crucial kicks thus far this season. After this latest flub though, it was a foregone conclusion that New Orleans would bring in competition, and while Hartley very well could end up keeping his position on the team, the pressure for him to perform will undoubtedly be intense going forward.

Hartley was one of the league’s best kickers in the clutch last season, nailing the game winning field goal in overtime to win the NFC Championship.

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