When the New Orleans Saints signed veteran kicker Daniel Carlson this week, it appeared to be a sign they weren’t fully confident in moving forward with either of the two young kickers who had been competing for the job in training camp. 

Sunday, the Saints validated that idea when they waived both Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown in order to keep Daniel Carlson on the 53-man roster. 

Carlson had only gone through two practices and one preseason game before the Saints needed to trim the roster to 53 players, but he performed well in his limited opportunity. Carlson made both of his field goal attempts in Friday’s preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, including the eventual game winner from 53 yards out with two minutes remaining. 

In Carlson, the Saints also kept a proven veteran. Carlson spent eight seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, earning All-Pro honors in both 2021 (second team) and 2022 (first team). He led the league with 40 made field goals (out of 43) in 2021, and connected on at least 90 % of his kicks in four seasons. 

Las Vegas opted not to bring Carlson back after he struggled in 2025, when he made a career-low 81.5 % of his field goal attempts (22-27). 

If Smyth clears waivers, New Orleans may decide to bring him back on the practice squad. Because Smyth arrived to the NFL via the International Player Pathway, any team that signs him to the practice squad would receive an exemption for an extra spot — meaning he would not count against the 16-man practice squad limit. 

Smyth was the incumbent kicker coming into camp, having taken over for the final six games of the 2025 season. He went 12-for-16 in those games, including a game-winner against the Carolina Panthers from 47 yards out in Week 15.