Saints End Kicking Circus, Sign Two-Time All-Pro Daniel Carlson
Mike Garafolo reported the signing via Carlson's agents at Range Sports.
The just realized that relying on a kicking competition between an undrafted prospect and an international pathway player might not be the best way to score points in the NFL. After getting completely blanked in their latest preseason outing, the front office decided it was time to bring in an adult.
According to Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, the Saints are signing two-time All-Pro kicker . The move was confirmed by Carlson's agents at Range Sports, instantly upgrading one of the most volatile spots on the roster.
Up until this morning, the had been holding a training camp bake-off between Tanner Brown and . Smyth actually has a great story as an International Player Pathway guy from Ireland who drilled a 56-yarder in his debut. But fun stories do not cover the spread in November, and the clearly wanted a proven commodity.
Carlson brings actual stability to a team that desperately needs it. The former kicker is stepping into a building that is coming off a brutal 34-0 preseason loss to the . When your offense manages exactly zero points and looks completely lost for four quarters, your kicker is probably going to be your most valuable player.
For anyone looking at team totals or tight game props this season, this move completely changes the math. You go from crossing your fingers on every 40-yard attempt to having an automatic three points when the drive inevitably stalls out at the 25-yard line.
Carlson steps right into the starting job, ending the camp battle immediately. gets a massive special teams upgrade just in time for the regular season, while Brown and Smyth will have to update their resumes and hope another team needs a camp leg.