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Carlson, 31, struggled to find his rhythm throughout his time in New Orleans, connecting on just eight of his 12 field goal attempts. His 66.7% success rate ranked among the lowest in the NFL this season, tied for the second-worst mark in the league. In addition to his field goal struggles, the veteran also missed two extra-point attempts during his seven appearances.
Transitioning to a New Kicking Option
The move to release Carlson follows a period of intense scrutiny regarding the team's kicking performance, which intensified after a 16-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris. During that contest, Carlson missed a 52-yard field goal attempt, further highlighting the team's need for greater reliability. While head coach Kellen Moore had previously stated on Monday that the team would evaluate their options, the decision to move on from Carlson was finalized shortly thereafter.
With Carlson’s departure, the path is now clear for
Broader Roster Adjustments
The release of Carlson is part of a wider effort by the Saints to recalibrate following a 2-5 start to the season. The organization also confirmed the departure of run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti on Monday, a move that followed a disappointing offensive performance where the team managed only 18 rushing yards on 17 attempts against Pittsburgh.
In addition to the changes on the coaching staff and special teams, the Saints have bolstered their backfield depth by claiming running back Audric Estime off waivers from the Cleveland Browns. Estime is familiar with the New Orleans system, having spent time with the team during the 2025 season and the 2026 training camp before being released with an injury settlement earlier this September.
