Saints Land 2x All-Pro Carlson in Massive Kicker Upgrade
Saints Sign Veteran Kicker Daniel Carlson After Preseason Competition Falls Flat
TL;DR: The New Orleans Saints have signed experienced kicker Daniel Carlson after a month-long tryout between two younger kickers didn’t produce a clear winner. Carlson is a two-time All-Pro but had a rough final season with the Raiders.
What Happened?
The New Orleans Saints have a new kicker. After nearly a month of watching Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth compete for the job during training camp, the team decided to go a different direction. They signed Daniel Carlson, a free agent who has been one of the league’s best kickers in recent years.
Why Did the Saints Make This Move?
The Competition Didn’t Produce a Winner
The Saints gave Brown and Smyth a fair shot, but neither grabbed the job:
| Kicker | Background | Preseason Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Tanner Brown | Signed in June from the UFL’s Louisville Kings | 2-for-3 on field goals |
| Charlie Smyth | Joined via International Player Pathway; practice squad since 2024 | Missed his only preseason attempt; had 3 misses in 2 practice days |
Important Point: Neither kicker showed the consistency NFL teams need. In a league where games often come down to a single kick, "pretty good" isn’t good enough.
Who Is Daniel Carlson?
Think of Carlson like a veteran substitute teacher who actually knows the material — he’s been around, he’s had great years, but his last "class" (season) was rough.
Carlson’s Resume at a Glance
- Drafted: 5th round, 2018 by the Minnesota Vikings
- Raiders tenure: Mid-2018 through 2025 (7.5 seasons)
- Peak years: Two-time All-Pro (2021, 2022) — meaning he was voted one of the best at his position those years
- 2025 season: Made only 81.5% of field goals (career low since 2019)
- Notable misses last year:
- Missed an extra point vs. Jaguars (Week 9)
- Missed a potential game-tying field goal vs. Broncos (Week 10)
The Backstory: How We Got Here
1. Blake Grupe Was Let Go
Last season, the Saints cut kicker Blake Grupe, opening the door for Smyth to step in.
2. Smyth Got a Chance
- Came through the International Player Pathway Program (a way for non-U.S. players to enter the NFL)
- Spent 2024 on the practice squad as an extra kicker
- Played in 6 games, made 12 of 16 field goals (75%)
3. Brown Was Brought In for Competition
- Signed in June 2026 after playing in the UFL (a spring football league)
- Meant to push Smyth for the starting job
4. Neither Separated Themselves
After a full training camp + preseason games, the Saints weren’t convinced either was the answer.
5. Enter Daniel Carlson
A proven veteran became available, and the Saints pounced.
What This Means for the Saints
The Good
- Proven track record: Carlson has been elite before (All-Pro twice)
- Experience: 7+ NFL seasons, played in big games
- Insurance: If Carlson struggles, the Saints know what they have in Brown/Smyth
The Risk
- Coming off a down year: 81.5% is well below NFL average (~85-87%)
- High-pressure misses: The PAT and game-tying FG misses last year are concerning
- Age/wear: At 7+ years in, kickers can decline quickly
Important Point: This is a "prove it" deal for Carlson. He needs to show 2025 was a fluke, not the start of a decline.
Summary
The Saints tried to find their kicker in-house with a month-long competition between Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth. Neither won the job convincingly. So New Orleans signed Daniel Carlson, a two-time All-Pro who had a rough 2025 season with the Raiders. It’s a high-upside, moderate-risk move: if Carlson returns to form, the Saints have a top-tier kicker. If not, they’re back to square one — but with more data on their younger options.
FAQ
1. Why didn’t the Saints just stick with Smyth or Brown?
Neither showed the consistency needed for an NFL starting job. Smyth missed 3 kicks in 2 practices and his only preseason attempt. Brown was just 2-for-3 in preseason. In the NFL, kickers are expected to be nearly automatic.
2. Is Daniel Carlson washed up?
Not necessarily. Kickers often have one bad year then bounce back. Carlson was All-Pro in 2021 and 2022 — that level of play doesn’t vanish overnight. The Saints are betting on a rebound.
3. What happened to Blake Grupe?
The Saints cut Grupe last season, which started this whole kicker carousel. He’s currently not on the roster.
4. What’s the International Player Pathway Program?
It’s an NFL program that gives international athletes (non-U.S./Canada) a path to NFL rosters. Smyth came through this route — he’s from Ireland and played Gaelic football before converting to American football kicking.
5. Can the Saints still cut Carlson?
Yes. This is a free agent signing, not a guaranteed contract. If Carlson struggles in the regular season, the Saints can release him and potentially re-sign Brown or Smyth (if they clear waivers).
Article based on reporting by Katherine Terrell, ESPN (Aug 24, 2026)