The New Orleans Saints have seemingly addressed their kicking woes by signing veteran kicker Daniel Carlson, a two-time All-Pro known for his powerful leg and impressive track record. Carlson, who previously played for the Las Vegas Raiders, joined the Saints on August 24, 2026, and quickly made a strong impression on the coaching staff.
Just two days after signing, Carlson participated in his first practice with the team, followed by a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. In that matchup, he successfully converted both of his field-goal attempts, including a crucial 53-yarder that secured a 27-24 victory for the Saints. His performance in such a short time frame has positioned him as a frontrunner for the starting kicker role.
Before Carlson's arrival, the Saints had been evaluating Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown for the kicking position. Brown had been with the team since June, but Carlson's swift integration into the team has allowed him to leapfrog both competitors. Head coach Kellen Moore expressed confidence in Carlson's abilities, noting the limited time they had to assess him. "We really only had two days with Daniel, and so obviously feel like he showed himself well," Moore stated. "Made a nice kick at Dallas. More time on task will be beneficial for him. Those are tough decisions — Tanner is a kicker in this league, Charlie is a kicker in this league, I think we had some really good guys there. Daniel is going to do a great job for us."
Carlson's career thus far has been marked by consistency and success. Over his eight seasons with the Raiders, he made 225 of 259 field-goal attempts, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of 86.9%. His accolades include first-team All-Pro honors in 2022, underscoring his reputation as one of the league's top kickers. The Saints are hopeful that Carlson can bring much-needed stability to a position that has seen its share of struggles in recent years.
As the Saints prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Carlson could prove pivotal. The team has faced challenges at the kicker position, impacting their performance in close games. With Carlson now on board, New Orleans fans are optimistic that his experience and skill set will enhance the team's special teams unit and contribute to their overall success in the 2026 season.
In conclusion, Daniel Carlson's signing marks a significant step for the Saints as they look to solidify their kicking game. His immediate impact in the preseason suggests he could be the answer to their kicking troubles, providing a reliable option as they aim for a successful campaign ahead.
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