Green Bay Packers kicker Anders Carlson was one of the team’s biggest concerns heading into the NFL playoffs. After the rookie’s woes proved costly in the Divisional Round, it’s time for Green Bay to consider replacing Carlson.
Carlson, the 20th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was overdrafted by Green Bay. He made just 68 percent of his field-goal attempts in his final two seasons with the Auburn Tigers, but Packers’ special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia believed he could fix him. Instead, Carlson was one of the worst Packers’ starters all season.
Nick Folk, free agent
Nick Folk is defying Father Time. In his age-39 season, the sixth-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft was the most accurate kicker in football. It’s not a fluke either. Folk was one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL in stints with both the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans over the last four seasons.
Importantly for the Packers, Folk is also comfortable kicking in cold weather. He did it for the Patriots and this past season in Tennessee, the veteran converted 20-of-21 attempts when outdoors. He’s also dependable from distance, making at least four kicks from 50-plus yards with an 81.8% success rate over the last two seasons with the Titans and Patriots.
Ka’imi Fairbairn, free agent
While Green Bay should have a preference for kickers who are comfortable in cold weather, overall accuracy is paramount. Ka’imi Fairbairn spent his college career at UCLA and was with the Houston Texans for seven seasons, so kicking in frigid conditions would take getting used to. If the Packers’ coaching staff believes he can do it though, Fairbairn is one of the best kickers in NFL free agency.
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In 2023, Fairbianr made 96.4 percent of his field-goal attempts and 95.5 percent of his extra-point attempts. It marked the second consecutive season he’s converted on at least 90 percent of his field goals, boasting an accuracy rate of 94.9 percent on 59 field-goal attempts and 97.8 percent on extra-point tries.
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