The Green Bay Packers parted ways with veteran kicker Mason Crosby before the 2023 season, anticipating rookie Anders Carlson would develop as a dependable option for years to come. One year later, the Packers apparently sought a successor for Carlson.
Carlson, the brother of the Las Vegas Raiders’ Pro Bowl kicker, was picked with the 207th overall choice in the 2023 NFL draft. Despite Carlson’s 68.4 percent field-goal success rate in his final two seasons with the Auburn Tigers, Green Bay drafted him.
Carlson, on the other hand, was never able to overcome his inaccuracy. Despite his struggles in training camp, the Packers kept him around in the hopes that he would improve with time. Carlson began his rookie season making 13-of-15 attempts, an 86.7 percent conversion rate, but concluded the regular season converting only 81.8 percent of extra-point attempts and 77.8 percent of field-goal attempts. In the Divisional Round, he missed a key field goal against the San Francisco 49ers, losing 24-21.
According to Bill Huber of Packer Central, the Packers “almost” signed an experienced kicker during NFL free agency. While the player’s name was not published, he verbally agreed to a contract offer from Green Bay. However, he had a change of heart at the last minute and signed with another organization.
While the kicker’s identity has not been published, four veterans at the position have signed in NFL free agency. Joey Slye signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Brandon McManus agreed to terms with the Washington Commanders, Will Lutz re-signed with the Denver Broncos, and Nick Folk remained with the Tennessee Titans.
While the Packers did not sign their top player in NFL free agency, the team is anticipated to add more competition for Carlson during training camp. Even though the organization continues to openly express faith in Carlson, the second-year kicker is likely to push for and gain a spot in the 2024 NFL season.
