New Orleans Saints sign veteran kicker Daniel Carlson

The New Orleans Saints are signing veteran kicker Daniel Carlson to address instability at the position. Carlson, a two-time All-Pro in 2021 and 2022, joins the team after his tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The move follows inconsistent preseason performances from the team’s current kicking candidates, Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth. Smyth, who joined the Saints via the International Player Pathway, had shown promise during the final six games of the 2025 season by converting 12 of 16 field-goal attempts. Brown, previously of the UFL, recorded two successful field goals on three attempts during the preseason.

Carlson brings significant NFL experience to New Orleans, having been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. Before leaving Las Vegas, he maintained an 81.5 percent field-goal conversion rate.