The Green Bay Packers made the significant decision to part ways with their four-time NFL MVP quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, after the 2022 season.
This move aimed to give Jordan Love, their 2020 first-round draft pick, the opportunity to become the starting quarterback. The selection of Love back in 2020 was part of Green Bay’s strategy to groom a successor for their future Hall of Fame quarterback.
So far, this transition seems to have paid off.
In addition to trading Rodgers to the New York Jets, the Packers also let go of other fan-favorite veterans, including Mason Crosby, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Unlike the quarterback position, where Love was waiting in the wings, the Packers didn’t have an immediate replacement for Crosby when they released him.
The kicker they chose, Anders Carlson, didn’t last long in the role.
Carlson, drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, entered the Packers’ roster under scrutiny. Many draft experts argued he wasn’t worth the pick, suggesting he could have been signed as an undrafted free agent. During training camp and preseason, Carlson failed to alleviate these concerns. While he demonstrated impressive range, his inconsistency raised doubts. Critics who opposed Crosby’s departure were vocal when the season commenced.
However, Carlson had a promising start to his rookie year. Through the Packers’ first five games, he didn’t miss a single kick and had only two missed field goals in the first seven games. Unfortunately, his form deteriorated drastically.
By the end of the season, Carlson had missed at least one kick in 10 of Green Bay’s final 12 games, including their two playoff appearances. He concluded his rookie campaign with a field goal percentage of 81.8% and a disappointing 87.2% extra point conversion rate. Eventually, he lost his job to Greg Joseph, who was later replaced by others, and Carlson was released.
After leaving the Packers, Carlson moved around the NFL, trying out for various teams. The San Francisco 49ers signed him after injuries sidelined Jake Moody and Matthew Wright. In two games for the 49ers, Carlson impressed by making all five of his field goal attempts, including a career-best 55-yarder. However, he missed one of his four extra-point tries. Once Moody recovered, the 49ers released Carlson.
The New York Jets quickly added Carlson to their practice squad. His signing proved timely, as the Kansas City Chiefs placed Harrison Butker on injured reserve and signed Spencer Shrader, previously a Jets replacement for their injured kicker Greg Zuerlein. With their top kickers unavailable, the Jets are now expected to elevate Carlson for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The journey of this former Packers kicker continues.
