The short version
- The New Orleans Saints have signed veteran kicker Daniel Carlson to compete for the starting position.
- Incumbent Charlie Smyth faces increased pressure after missing a field goal attempt during pre-season play.
- Carlson brings All-Pro experience but enters with a slightly lower accuracy rate from his previous season.
The New Orleans Saints have intensified the competition for their starting kicker position by signing Daniel Carlson, a two-time All-Pro specialist. The move adds a high-profile veteran to a roster battle that already features incumbent Charlie Smyth and recent acquisition Tanner Brown. This decision signals a clear shift in strategy for head coach Kellen Moore’s staff, who appear unwilling to rely solely on the performance of their current options as the regular season approaches.
Smyth, a 25-year-old former Gaelic footballer from Northern Ireland, entered the pre-season as the established starter. He assumed the role in November after replacing Blake Grupe and delivered a solid statistical record during his first full campaign. Smyth converted 12 of 16 field goal attempts and was perfect on all 13 extra-point tries last season. His performance earned him a three-year contract, suggesting the organization initially viewed him as a long-term solution for the kicking duties.
However, recent pre-season performances have introduced uncertainty regarding Smyth’s hold on the job. The Irish native missed his only field goal attempt of the current pre-season, a 52-yard try during a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This miss came just one week before Tanner Brown, signed in June from the United Football League, also failed to convert a 39-yard attempt against the Los Angeles Rams. These consecutive failures by both competing kickers likely prompted front office officials to seek a more reliable option.
Daniel Carlson brings significant pedigree to the competition. The 31-year-old was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 but found his footing after being waived and picked up by the Oakland Raiders, now the Las Vegas Raiders. His career peaked during the 2021 and 2022 seasons when he earned second-team and first-team All-Pro honors, respectively. Carlson has demonstrated remarkable durability, not missing a single game over the past seven years, which offers stability that younger kickers may lack.
Despite his accolades, Carlson is not without recent statistical concerns. His field goal success rate dropped to 81.5 percent last year, marking his lowest accuracy figure since 2019. This decline raises questions about whether age or environmental factors contributed to the dip in performance. The Saints must weigh his proven track record against this recent trend as they evaluate his fit within their offensive scheme.
Smyth has responded to the increased competition with a professional demeanor. Speaking to BBC Northern Ireland earlier this month, he acknowledged that roster battles are an inherent part of the National Football League. He stated that he does not take such signings personally, recognizing that constant evaluation is standard in the business. His attitude suggests he intends to use the pressure as motivation rather than viewing Carlson’s arrival as a dismissal of his previous contributions.
The timing of this signing leaves little room for error in the final pre-season matchup. The Saints are scheduled to face the Dallas Cowboys this weekend, providing one last opportunity for all three kickers to demonstrate their capabilities under game conditions. Coaches will likely scrutinize not only accuracy but also consistency and mental toughness as they make their final roster decisions.
The regular season begins on September 13 with an away game against the Detroit Lions. The outcome of this kicking competition could significantly impact early-season momentum, particularly in close contests where special teams play a decisive role. Whether Smyth retains his spot, Brown earns a chance, or Carlson secures the position remains to be seen, but the stakes are undeniably high for all parties involved.
This roster adjustment reflects the broader competitive landscape of the NFL, where even specialized positions face rigorous scrutiny. The Saints’ willingness to add a veteran of Carlson’s caliber indicates that they prioritize reliability and experience as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how this dynamic unfolds in the coming weeks.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Smyth to have more competition for Saints role
