Anders Carlson is on the hot seat after blunt message from Packers GM

The Green Bay Packers showed patience with kicker Anders Carlson during his rookie season. But Carlson is on the hot seat entering 2024.

The rookie missed 11 kicks in the regular season and two more in the playoffs, including a costly field goal that allowed the San Francisco 49ers to score a game-winning rather than a game-tying touchdown.

Carlson was perfect in the opening five games but then missed at least one kick in 11 of the next 14 games, including playoffs. That includes a league-worst six extra-points.

If things don't improve quickly in year two, the Packers' patience could run out.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst puts Anders Carlson on the hot seat

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst spoke to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine and was inevitably asked about Carlson's future.

"There's gonna need to be a curve of getting better if that's gonna continue," said Gutekunst, according to The Athletic's Matt Schneidman.

Gutekunst made it pretty clear: Carlson must improve, or the Packers will need a new kicker.

And that's a reasonable expectation. Gutekunst said he believes the Packers can win the Super Bowl next season. If that's the target, they can't afford to have no confidence in their kicker.

It's one thing to ride the ups and downs of a rookie kicker during a "rebuilding" year with no expectations. But that changes for the Packers in 2024. They are now expected to compete in the NFC North and make another playoff run. With a new defensive scheme, five top-100 draft picks, and the development of young players, the Packers should take a step forward next season.

It will be interesting to see whether Gutekunst brings in a veteran kicker to compete with Carlson. It would be a smart move.

The Packers need to see a quick turnaround from Carlson in year two, or they may already need a new kicker.

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