The Saints released veteran kicker Daniel Carlson after he connected on just 66.7% of field goals (8-of-12), the second-worst mark in the NFL. The 31-year-old also missed two PATs in seven games.
The move comes after New Orleans' bye week, during which they also fired run-game coordinator T.J. Paganetti following a 18-yard rushing performance in a 16-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris. Coach Kellen Moore had said the kicking position would be evaluated but ruled out tryouts Monday.
Irish practice-squad kicker Charlie Smyth will start against the Cleveland Browns Sunday. Smyth hit 75% (12-of-16) in six games last season after Blake Grupe was cut. Carlson, a two-time All-Pro with the Las Vegas Raiders (2021-22), struggled to 81.5% in 2025 before his release.
The Saints also claimed running back Audric Estime off waivers from the Browns; Estime spent seven games with New Orleans in 2025 and attended 2026 camp before an injury settlement.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing