The New Orleans Saints are signing free agent kicker Daniel Carlson, confirming reports from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport. This move resolves a month-long kicking competition that failed to produce a clear winner between Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth.

Carlson, a two-time All-Pro in 2021 and 2022, joins the team after spending most of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders from midseason 2018 to 2025. Originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2018 draft, he was not re-signed by the Raiders after posting his lowest kick percentage since 2019 at 81.5%. His departure followed missed kicks against the Jaguars and Broncos last season.

Charlie Smyth entered the offseason as a potential starter after taking over when Blake Grupe was cut. An International Player Pathway participant, Smyth had been with the team since 2024. He made 12 of 16 field goals last year but struggled in camp, missing three kicks on practice days and his only attempt in the preseason. Tanner Brown, signed in June from the UFL’s Louisville Kings, also lacked consistency, going 2-for-3 in preseason games.