New Orleans Saints kicker Daniel Carlson must go, and it's not a complicated or hard decision to make. He can’t be trusted to make high-pressure kicks, especially from 50+ yards, and has shown no reason to believe he can make low-pressure kicks either. The Saints played Sunday, and there's no reason Carlson should still be on this team Tuesday morning.
Carlson didn’t win the Saints’ kicking battle. He was a late offseason signing after both Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown lost the job. He was added for his reliability as a nine-year veteran and former first-team All-Pro selection; however, he’s been inconsistent and can’t be counted on.
Carlson is tied for the lowest field goal percentage in the NFL at 66.7%. Additionally, he’s missed two extra points. This is a new low for the Saints’ special teams, even after the struggles of Blake Grupe and Charlie Smyth last year.
Daniel Carlson’s remaining time in New Orleans shouldn’t be weeks, but days or hours.
Carlson has missed a kick in six of the Saints’ seven games and is 3/7 from 50+ yards. He’s only had one season in his career kicking under 80% from field goals, 73.1% in 2019, and isn’t the player he once was. Those aren’t inspiring numbers and tell the tale of someone who needs a change of scenery.
It was surprising that Kellen Moore didn’t move on from him earlier, but he must now. The time is perfect, especially with the bye week. Adding another option soon would give them ample time to evaluate and prepare the new acquisition.
The Saints wouldn't even be the first team to make a change at kicker. The Los Angeles Rams cut Harrison Mevis on October 13, two weeks ago.
The Saints won’t find their franchise kicker now, in all likelihood. All they are searching for is a reliable option that they can trust. They need someone who can make extra points and sink late-game field goals, both of which Carlson hasn’t done.
Kellen Moore shouldn't have to think about this for the entire bye week. Delaying it is simply giving their new kicker less time to adjust and prepare. Additionally, it gives other kicker-needy teams the opportunity to test the market before New Orleans.
Because of this, the Saints shouldn’t wait to make the change, but should do it as soon as possible. There’s no rational argument for keeping Daniel Carlson around after his early-season performance. The timing is right, the opportunity is there; it’s time to find a new kicker.
Add us as a preferred source on Google