Saints Sign Proven Kicker Daniel Carlson After Month-Long Competition

By Katherine Terrell | August 24, 2026

What Happened?

The New Orleans Saints have decided to sign Daniel Carlson, a free agent kicker with a strong track record. This move comes after the team spent nearly a month trying to choose between two other kickers — Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth — but neither one clearly won the job.

Why Did the Saints Sign Carlson?

The Competition Didn’t Produce a Clear Winner

• The Saints held an open competition between Brown and Smyth for almost a month
• Neither kicker performed consistently enough to earn the starting role
• The team decided to bring in a more experienced, proven option

Carlson’s Impressive Resume

• Two-time All-Pro (2021 and 2022) — meaning he was one of the best kickers in the entire NFL those years
• Originally a 5th-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018
• Played for the Las Vegas Raiders from mid-2018 through 2025 (7+ seasons)

Carlson’s Recent Struggles (The Full Picture)

Important Context: While Carlson has been excellent in the past, last season wasn’t his best.

The Raiders chose not to re-sign him after the 2025 season, which is why he became a free agent available for the Saints.

Who Were the Other Kickers?

Charlie Smyth

• Came to the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program (a way for international athletes to join NFL teams)
• Joined the Saints’ practice squad in 2024
• Took over kicking duties last season when Blake Grupe was released
• Last season: Made 12 of 16 field goals (75%) in 6 games
• Training camp struggles: Had two practice days where he missed 3 kicks total
• Preseason: Missed his only field goal attempt

Tanner Brown

• Signed by the Saints in June 2026
• Previously played for the Louisville Kings in the UFL (United Football League)
• Preseason: Made 2 of 3 field goal attempts
• Also struggled with consistency during training camp

What This Means for the Saints

The Good News

• Carlson brings proven NFL experience and All-Pro pedigree
• He knows how to handle pressure in big games
• The Saints now have certainty at kicker heading into the season

The Questions

• Can Carlson bounce back from his 2025 struggles?
• Was last year a slump or the start of a decline? (He’ll be 31 this season)
• Will he reclaim his All-Pro form or perform closer to last year’s 81.5%?

Summary

The New Orleans Saints ended their month-long kicker competition by signing Daniel Carlson, a two-time All-Pro with seven years of Raiders experience. While Carlson struggled last season (81.5% FG rate, key misses), his track record suggests he’s capable of elite performance. The move replaces inconsistent showings from Charlie Smyth (International Pathway player) and Tanner Brown (UFL signee), giving the Saints a known quantity at a critical position as the 2026 season approaches.

FAQ

Who is Daniel Carlson?

Daniel Carlson is a professional NFL kicker who was an All-Pro (top player at his position) in 2021 and 2022. He played for the Las Vegas Raiders for over seven years before becoming a free agent.

Why did the Saints sign him instead of sticking with Brown or Smyth?

Neither Brown nor Smyth performed consistently enough during the month-long competition. The Saints wanted a proven, reliable kicker with a history of success in the NFL.

What is the International Player Pathway Program?

It’s an NFL program that helps athletes from other countries (who didn’t play college football in the U.S.) get a chance to make an NFL roster. Charlie Smyth joined the Saints through this program.

How bad was Carlson last year really?

He made 81.5% of his field goals — his worst percentage since 2019. He also missed an extra point and a potential game-tying field goal in two separate games. However, he was excellent from 2021-2023.

When does the 2026 NFL season start?

The regular season typically begins in early September. The Saints will now head into the season with Carlson as their presumed starting kicker.