Jude McAtamney, Charlie Smyth and Mark McNamee have missed out on making the active roster for their respective NFL teams, leaving them open to be picked up by another franchise.

Former Gaelic footballers McAtamney, Smyth and McNamee were waived by the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers.

McAtamney lost out to veteran Graham Gano as the New York Giants finalised their 53-man roster for the start of the new season, which begins next week.

The County Derry man handled all kicking duties in the pre-season victories over the New York Jets and New England Patriots, kicking 10 extra points and a field goal between both games, while playing in the second half of the pre-season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

Last season, McAtamney was called from the practice squad into the Giants team for the regular season game against the Washington Commanders when Gano sustained an injury and the New York franchise may wish to recall him to the practice squad for the coming season if his pre-season form does not attract an offer from another team.

County Down’s Smyth missed out on New Orleans’ active roster for the second season with Blake Grupe again selected as first choice.

Smyth, however, is eligible to return to the practice squad in the international player exemption slot.