Saints Add Veteran Presence to Kicking Battle
The New Orleans Saints are signing veteran kicker Daniel Carlson, according to multiple reports Monday morning. The move comes as the team's kicking competition between challenger Tanner Brown and incumbent Charlie Smyth had yet to produce a clear starter.
Carlson, 31, brings considerable experience to New Orleans. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, he played just two games before being released and joining the Oakland Raiders, where he remained for the next eight seasons. Over 127 games, Carlson converted 87.8% of his field-goal attempts and 95.7% of his extra-point tries, according to one report.
All-Pro Pedigree and a Dip in Production
Carlson's résumé includes two All-Pro selections. In 2021, he earned second-team All-Pro honors while leading the NFL with field goals made. He then earned first-team All-Pro in 2022, connecting on 34 of 37 attempts and 11 field goals from 50 yards or farther.
However, Carlson's efficiency faded recently. Last season, his field-goal percentage slipped to just above 81 percent as he made 22 of 27 attempts. That production represented a marked decline from the 93 percent he posted in 2021.
One aspect: Carlson's misses included a blocked 54-yard attempt in a late-game loss to the Chicago Bears and a potential game-tying 48-yarder in a Week 8 defeat to the Denver Broncos. Yet he finished on a strong note, converting career-high 60-yard field goal in the closing seconds of Week 18's 14-12 win over the Chiefs, also making a 55-yarder earlier in that game.
The Raiders parting ways with Carlson this past offseason, signing veteran kicker Matt Gay, opened the door for his move to New Orleans.
Why New Orleans Adds a Kicker
The Saints had been evaluating two kickers during preseason: Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth. Smyth, who'd taken over duty late last season, converted 12 of 16 field-goal attempts during the regular season, including a 57-yarder, but made just under 80% of his attempts in training camp. He made both extra points in the preseason opener but missed a 52-yard field goal late in the third quarter, and did attempt a kick in the following game.
Brown showed some promise, making attempts from 49 and 29 yards against Jacksonville, but missed a 39-yarder last week. That miss marked his fourth failed field goal from inside 40 yards during preseason.
With training camp kicking competition not producing a reliable starter, the Saints acting to sign Carlson looks to stabilize the position. He is expected to be a presumptive favorite to win the job over the two current options.
The Saints conclude their 2026 preseason facing the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 28 in Arlington, Texas.