The signing of the two-time All-Pro follows recent pre-season kicking struggles, setting up a high-stakes battle with incumbent Charlie Smyth.
The New Orleans Saints have made a bold move to solidify their kicking game, bringing in two-time All-Pro Daniel Carlson to compete for the starting role. This high-profile acquisition directly impacts incumbent kicker Charlie Smyth, who now faces an intensified challenge to retain his position for the upcoming season.
Carlson’s arrival follows a period of inconsistent kicking during the Saints' pre-season, prompting the team to seek a proven talent. The competition is expected to be fierce as New Orleans prepares for the regular season, according to reporting by Yahoo Sports - NFL.
This development adds significant intrigue to a position that has seen several changes for the Saints in recent months. The team is clearly aiming for maximum reliability from their specialist unit.
Charlie Smyth's NFL Journey and Recent Performance
Charlie Smyth, a 25-year-old former Gaelic footballer from Mayobridge in Northern Ireland, entered pre-season as the Saints' starting kicker. He had assumed the role last November, taking over from Blake Grupe.
During his time as the starter last season, Smyth displayed a mixed performance. He successfully converted 12 of his 16 field goal attempts and was perfect on all 13 of his extra-point attempts. His journey from Gaelic football to the NFL has been closely watched by fans.
Recent Kicking Struggles Pave Way for New Additions
The Saints' search for kicking consistency didn't begin with Carlson. In June, the team signed Tanner Brown, who previously played for the Louisville Kings in the United Football League, to also compete with Smyth.
However, recent pre-season games highlighted ongoing concerns. Brown, 26, missed a 39-yard field goal attempt in the Saints' defeat by the Los Angeles Rams last Saturday. A week earlier, Smyth himself missed from 52 yards in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. These misses likely prompted Kellen Moore’s side to pursue Carlson.
Daniel Carlson's All-Pro Pedigree and Statistics
Daniel Carlson, 31, brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record to New Orleans. He was initially drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 but was waived during his rookie season before being picked up by the then-Oakland Raiders.
Carlson enjoyed his most successful seasons in 2021 and 2022, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2021 and first-team All-Pro recognition in 2022. He has an impressive streak of not missing a game in the past seven seasons. While his 81.5% success rate from field goals last year marked his lowest since 2019, his overall career performance remains elite.
Smyth Embraces the NFL's Competitive Nature
Despite the high-stakes competition, Charlie Smyth remains philosophical about the Saints' decision to bring in more kickers. Smyth, who signed a three-year contract last season, told BBC NI this month that competition for places in the NFL is “just the way it is in this business.”
He emphasized that he would not be taking any such signings “personally,” indicating a professional approach to the challenge. The Saints' final pre-season game is this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys before their 2026 regular season begins on September 13 against the Detroit Lions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Daniel Carlson, and what is his experience?
Daniel Carlson is a 31-year-old two-time All-Pro kicker who has played in the NFL for seven seasons. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, later played for the Raiders/Raiders, and had his best years in 2021 and 2022, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2022.
What is Charlie Smyth's background with the New Orleans Saints?
Charlie Smyth is a 25-year-old former Gaelic footballer from Northern Ireland who became the Saints' starting kicker in November, taking over from Blake Grupe. Last season, he made 12 of 16 field goals and all 13 extra-point attempts.
Why did the Saints sign Daniel Carlson to compete with Charlie Smyth?
The Saints signed Daniel Carlson due to recent inconsistencies in their kicking game during the pre-season, including missed field goal attempts by both Charlie Smyth and previous competitor Tanner Brown. The team sought a proven, reliable talent for the position.
When does the New Orleans Saints' 2026 regular season begin?
The New Orleans Saints will begin their 2026 regular season on September 13, with their first game scheduled against the Detroit Lions. They have one final pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys this weekend."
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