Anders Carlson and Matt LaFleur’s drama continues as the Packers sign an ex-Vikings kicker.

One could argue that if kicker Anders Carlson hadn’t been injured, the Green Bay Packers wouldn’t be facing the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game this coming Saturday.

Whether it’s fair or not, the team signed Jack Podlesny on Wednesday, January 24, and didn’t lose any time in bringing in opponents for the starting position. Podlesny, who made 26 of 31 field goals and 73 of 74 extra point attempts, won the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year Award in 2022 while playing for the University of Georgia. He was also named to the first team of the SEC.

Still, it was Carlson — who also kicked in the Southeastern Conference for the University of Auburn — the Packers selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft (No. 207 overall).Still, it was Carlson — who also kicked in the Southeastern Conference for the University of Auburn — the Packers selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft (No. 207 overall).

Podlesny, meanwhile, was not selected in the draft and signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings. According to Pro Football Reference, he inked a deal with the organisation on April 30. However, on August 17, the Vikings cut the 23-year-old midway through the preseason.

Though Carlson has the advantage of having an older brother, Daniel Carlson, who has been a successful placekicker with the Las Vegas Raiders for six seasons and was named to the first team of the All-Pro team after the 2022 season, Green Bay’s decision to choose a kicker at all was a bit surprising.

Whatever the rationale behind the Packers’ substantial investment in Carlson—which included a $4 million four-year rookie contract—the move hasn’t turned out as the team had intended.

According to Pro Football Reference, Carlson was 34-of-39 on extra point attempts and missed six field goals (27-of-33) during the regular season. On January 20, during an NFC Divisional Round Playoff game, he also failed to convert a 41-yard field goal attempt against the San Francisco 49ers.

 

With just over six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the incorrect kick would have given the Packers a score advantage. After that, in little over five minutes, the Niners marched 69 yards down the field to take a three-point lead they would not give up.

Matt LaFleur Indicated Lack of Faith in Anders Carlson Before Playoff Game

Almost immediately after Carlson missed the game-winning kick, FOX Sports’ Tom Rinaldi provided an in-game report that included quotes from Packers head coach Matt LaFleur from an interview that happened in a production meeting prior to the game.