Key training camp competition is not going like the Packers wanted it to
For the Green Bay Packers, the ideal scenario in the kicking competition was that incumbent Anders Carlson would be the best one. After all, general manager Brian Gutekunst invested a sixth-round pick in him last year, and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia knows him and his family, he knows how he developed Daniel Carlson with […]
For the Green Bay Packers, the ideal scenario in the kicking competition was that incumbent Anders Carlson would be the best one. After all, general manager Brian Gutekunst invested a sixth-round pick in him last year, and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia knows him and his family, he knows how he developed Daniel Carlson with the Las Vegas Raiders after a tough start with the Minnesota Vikings.
There's a financial component to the decision as well. As a draft pick, Carlson counts $954k against the salary cap in 2024 and is under an inexpensive contract through 2026. However, that's not how the camp is going.
Even though Carlson and veteran addition Greg Joseph have similar career percentages, the older player has been more effective throughout training camp. According to Andy Herman, who covers the Packers for Pack A Day Podcast and Packer Report, Joseph has made 87% of his field goals, against 81.5% from Carlson. Rookie Alex Hale, added last week, had been ok until he missed three consecutive kicks on Tuesday, dropping his number to 66.7%. If Joseph makes the team, he will count $1.152 million against the cap, and he is slated to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Based on the moves the Packers have made this offseason and throughout training camp, adding pieces and promoting workouts, it's easy to see they are not happy with how things are going. During Family Night, Gutekunst told the Packers Network that the kickers on the roster are not only competing between themselves, but also against the entire league.
Moving parts
After moving on from veteran Mason Crosby, the Packers have made many moves trying to find a new answer. They drafted Carlson, signed Joseph, and also added and released undrafted players like Jack Podlesny and James Turner — Alex Hale is the third name of the time.
"The next kick is the most important kick," Joseph said earlier this week.
At least in the game, the competition went fairly well. Anders Carlson converted 33- and a 46-yard field goals (they were not exactly pretty, but he got it done), plus an extra point after Dontayvion Wicks' touchdown. Greg Joseph converted 35- and 33-yard field goals, and one extra point after running back Emanuel Wilson scored. Alex Hale was the only player on the roster who didn't play a single snap.
Based on how the snaps were split in the first preseason game, the job is still Anders Carlson's to lose. However, he hasn't done enough to make sure he will keep it this way, and even though the Packers want him to succeed, Greg Joseph and external options might end up being better options for the regular season.
The concept of a developmental kicker is limited, and Carlson's leash is shorter. For the Packers, the kicking competition is still an open question.
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