New Orleans is signing two-time All-Pro kicker Daniel Carlson, and it’s a massive, late-stage shake-up for their special teams unit. This guy, a 31-year-old veteran, is walking into a Saints kicker room that had Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth battling it out through training camp.
The All-Pro With a Leg
Carlson brings some serious hardware to New Orleans. He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2021 and was a first-team All-Pro in 2022. That 2022 season was just phenomenal, man, he converted 34 of 37 field-goal attempts and crushed 11 field goals from at least 50 yards. He spent most of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders after kicking off his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings back in 2018.
Who’s Out, Who’s In?
Before Carlson arrived, the Saints were evaluating Smyth and Brown. Smyth handled kicking duties for the final six games of the 2025 season, making 12 of 16 field goals, including four from 50 yards or farther. Brown, on the other hand, joined the competition after a standout spring in the UFL. Now, Carlson’s numbers dipped a bit last season, making 22 of 27 field-goal attempts at an 81.5% rate. He was 5-of-8 from 50 yards or farther and connected on 21 of his 22 extra-point attempts.
It’s not totally clear what the Saints will do, but with a late signing like this, Carlson appears to have the inside track for the Week 1 job. One of the other two guys is probably getting cut. New Orleans has had zero long-term stability at kicker, and this move shows they are absolutely ready to make a decision.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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