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Hot Takes, Predictions for Packers' Most Impactful Free Agent Signings | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Author

Matthew Barrera

Published Mar 24, 2026

Greg JosephGreg JosephIan Maule/Getty Images

Kickers go unnoticed until they win or lose a game. NFL kicker offseason movement is an even more overlooked element of the league.

There were plenty in Green Bay that were noticing when Anders Carlson missed a 41-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter of an eventually 24-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Making the kick would have made it 24-17.

The Niners answered the missed kick with a 12-play, 69-yard touchdown drive that put them up 24-21 with just over a minute to play.

That wasn't the only time that Carlson missed a kick, though. The rookie was just four-of-eight from 40-49 yards and three-of-five from 50 or more. He also missed five extra points on the season.

Carlson could very well be the starter again this season, but he's going to have to earn it. Veteran Greg Joseph was signed to compete for the job and they signed Jack Podlesny who was an undrafted free agent in 2023.

On one hand, Joseph has a lot of experience. He's made 100 field goals and 146 extra points in his five year career with appearances with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans and Minnesotav Vikings.

The problem is that he wasn't that much than Carlson last season. He went three-of-six from 40-49 yards and four-of-seven from beyond 50 yards. He also missed two extra points.

The 29-year-old has the edge in experience but Carlson has also had his struggles in Green Bay as special teams coach Rich Bisaccia highlighted for reporters recently.

"In our conversation with him, he hasn't played well here, the two years I've been here. We blocked one, he missed one, so him playing in these conditions is a little bit different for him, as well. He's got a tremendous leg. He's got a great mindset, so it's been a good competition to this point."