The New Orleans Saints are actively seeking a new kicker.
The Saints revealed on Tuesday that they have parted ways with veteran kicker Daniel Carlson after he missed yet another field goal in a 16-10 defeat during Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Carlson missed a 52-yard field goal attempt with 9:42 left in the game, which would have narrowed Pittsburgh’s lead to 16-13. He concluded the game having made 1-of-2 field goal attempts, decreasing his season field goal accuracy to a career-low of 66.7% (8 of 12).
While Carlson successfully converted all of his field goals under 49 yards with the Saints, he only managed to make 3 of 7 attempts from distances exceeding 50 yards. His release marks the end of his time with the Saints after participating in seven games.
Head coach Kellen Moore spoke about the team’s kicking struggles during his press conference on Monday, hinting at Carlson’s eventual release.
“Clearly, we need to continue assessing the field goal chances,” said Moore, according to ESPN. “And that’s something we must tackle and deliberate over to find the best option for Sunday.”
Carlson, aged 31, is a nine-year NFL veteran who earned All-Pro honors twice while with the Raiders in 2021 and 2022. He played for over seven seasons with the Raiders before signing with the Saints this offseason.
Following a Week 8 bye, the Saints will need to secure a replacement for Carlson ahead of their matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. New Orleans heads into this bye with a record of 2-5, sitting at the bottom of the NFC South standings.
The Saints currently have Charlie Smyth on their practice squad and may decide to bring him back if they don’t bring in another kicker. Smyth made 12-of-16 field goal attempts across six games with the Saints in 2025, marking his sole experience in the NFL. The Saints had signed Carlson after Smyth was unable to secure the job during training camp.
