Former Packers kicker lands on Jets practice squad

Former Green Bay Packers kicker Anders Carlson signed with the practice squad of the New York Jets on Friday, marking another chapter in Carlson’s whirlwind NFL journey. 

Former Green Bay Packers kicker Anders Carlson signed with the practice squad of the New York Jets on Friday, marking another new chapter in Carlson’s whirlwind NFL journey.

The Jets also released veteran kicker Riley Patterson from the 53-man roster, likely opening the door for Carlson to be the team’s kicker on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein is on injured reserve.

Carlson, a sixth-round pick of the Packers in 2023, spent two games with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this season. He made all five field goals (long of 55) and 3-of-4 extra points while with the 49ers.

The Packers released Carlson at final cuts in late August. He lost the kicker battle during the offseason and was replaced, at least initially, by Greg Joseph, but the Packers quickly changed directions and went with rookie Brayden Narveson to start the regular season. After five misses in six games, the Packers changed course again, releasing Narveson and signing veteran Brandon McManus, who has made 6-of-7 field goals (including two game-winners) and 6-of-6 extra points in three games.

As a rookie in 2023, Carlson made 27 of 33 field goals (81.8%) and 34 of 39 extra points (87.2%). He missed four field goals between 40-49 yards and two over 50 yards. During the postseason, Carlson missed a field goal in San Francisco and an extra point in Dallas — giving him 13 total misses in 19 total games.

In New York, Carlson will join quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard among the former Packers playing for the Jets in 2024.