The Green Bay Packers have faced significant challenges at the kicker position over the past year. At the conclusion of the 2022 NFL season, they opted to part ways with Mason Crosby, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. To fill the void, they drafted Anders Carlson in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The decision to move on from Crosby and replace him with Carlson, who was considered a long shot by many, was already risky. The situation became even more worrisome when the Packers chose not to bring in any competition for Carlson during last year’s training camp.
The results were troubling. Carlson, in his only season with the Packers, had a field goal accuracy of 81.8% and a disappointing 87.2% on extra points. His inconsistency was particularly concerning, as he initially performed well but later endured one of the most challenging kicking seasons in recent Green Bay history. Carlson missed more kicks than any other kicker in the NFL last season, including key misses in crucial games, such as Green Bay’s playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, where a missed field goal was a significant factor in the three-point defeat.
In response to Carlson’s struggles, the Packers brought in veteran kicker Greg Joseph for competition during training camp. Joseph, who had spent the previous three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, engaged in a close contest with Carlson. Despite both kickers showing some improvement, Carlson’s performance faltered, allowing Joseph to briefly take the lead. However, Joseph’s late struggles led to a tight race once again.
Carlson’s miss of a straightforward field goal in Green Bay’s final preseason game led to his release when the initial 53-man roster was announced. Joseph was briefly retained but was released the following day after the Packers claimed Brayden Narveson off waivers from the Tennessee Titans.
Joseph has since found a new opportunity. His agent confirmed today that Joseph has signed with the Detroit Lions to join their practice squad. With a career field goal percentage of 82.6% and an extra point accuracy of 90.1%, Joseph brings valuable experience to his new team. Prior to his time with the Vikings, he had stints with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and spent time on the practice squads of the Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.