The New Orleans Saints are signing kicker Daniel Carlson, according to reporting from NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport cited by Saints Wire and Pro Football Rumors.
The move adds an experienced option to a competition that had included Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth throughout training camp.
Carlson Brings an Experienced Resume
Carlson, 31, began his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 before spending the rest of his career with the Raiders.
He earned second-team All-Pro recognition in 2021 and first-team All-Pro honors in 2022.
In 2022, Carlson made 34 of 37 field-goal attempts, including 11 from at least 50 yards.
Last season, he converted 22 of 27 field-goal attempts, made five of eight tries from 50 yards or farther and went 21-for-22 on extra points, according to Saints Wire.
Pro Football Rumors likewise reported that he missed five of 27 field-goal attempts last season.
Saints’ Competition Had Featured Brown and Smyth
The Saints spent the summer evaluating Brown and Smyth, Saints Wire reported.
Smyth handled kicking duties over the final six games of the 2025 season, converting 12 of 16 field-goal attempts and making four kicks from at least 50 yards.
Brown entered the competition after a standout spring in the UFL.
Reporting described Brown and Smyth as competitors throughout training camp, although it did not provide an exact duration for the competition.
Carlson’s arrival introduces another option as New Orleans works toward a decision at the position.
Week 1 Role Remains Undecided
It was not immediately clear how the Saints planned to structure the position after Carlson’s addition.
Saints Wire reported that Carlson could join Brown and Smyth in the competition, while also noting that one of the other kickers could be released and that Carlson appeared to have an inside track on the Week 1 job.
The reported signing and Carlson’s background provide context for the Saints’ kicker decision, but the supplied primary material does not independently confirm the transaction details or the resulting depth chart.
Any final roster outcome or starting assignment will require confirmation from the team or the league.
The available information also does not support a betting assessment, while fantasy analysis remains dependent on the eventual Week 1 role.
