The Saints are shaking up their ongoing kicking competition with a veteran addition.
New Orleans has agreed to terms with Daniel Carlson, according to a report from the NFL Network. Carlson, 31, was a 5th round pick of the Vikings in 2018 but spent the past eight seasons with the Raiders.
Brought to you by TRANESOUTH: It's hard to stop a Tranewww.audacy.comThe Saints had been overseeing a kicker competition between incumbent Charlie Smyth and rookie Tanner Brown, but both had struggled throughout camp. Smyth has made 39 of 49 attempts (79.6%). Brown has made 39 of 46 attempts (84.7%) but has struggled notably from inside 40 yards. That was punctuated by a missed 38-yard attempt late in the preseason loss to the Rams.
Smyth arrived with the Saints two seasons ago through the international pathway program and was developing behind the scenes alongside Blake Grupe. He was thrust into action midway through the 2025 season when the Saints opted to cut Grupe, making 12 of his 16 kicks (75%) and all 13 PATs.
Carlson offers a proven option with a career field goal make percentage of 86.9 (225 of 259). He made more than 90% of his kicks in four consecutive seasons from 2020-'23 and twice landed All Pro nods. He did have one of his most inconsistent seasons in 2025, making just 81% of his kicks (22 of 27). The 6-5 Carlson boasts a powerful leg, with 37 makes on 51 career attempts from 50-plus (72.5%) and a long of 60.
The Saints have yet to announce the signing or a corresponding move. Carlson's addition likely means one of Brown or Smyth will be displaced.
