This former 49ers kicker will have to find a new opportunity after getting released on Wednesday.
The NFL is a tough business, and for former San Francisco 49ers kicker Anders Carlson, the grind never seems to stop. Just months after showing promise with both the 49ers and the New York Jets last season, Carlson was released by the Jets on Wednesday, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. This marks yet another setback for the young kicker, whose career now teeters on the edge as he searches for a new opportunity ahead of training camp.
Last season, Carlson stepped up for the 49ers when starter Jake Moody went down with a right ankle sprain in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. With Moody sidelined for three games, the 49ers turned to Matthew Wright for one game and Carlson for two. Carlson seized the moment, going a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals, including a 55-yard bomb against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7, and 3-for-4 on extra points. His strong leg and clutch performance in San Francisco earned him a late-season stint with the Jets, where he continued to impress, hitting 8-of-10 field goals and 9-of-11 extra points.
Despite his solid contributions, the Jets decided to move on from Carlson after their Organized Team Activities (OTAs). The team recently signed former Birmingham Stallions kicker Harrison Mevis and brought in undrafted free agent Caden Davis following the 2025 NFL Draft. With a new regime in New York eager to evaluate fresh talent, Carlson became the odd man out.
Carlson’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles. His time with the Green Bay Packers was rocky, marked by inconsistency that led to his departure. However, he showed a different side in San Francisco, proving he could handle high-pressure situations and deliver when it mattered. His brief tenure with the Jets further highlighted his potential, but consistency remains the key to securing a long-term role in the NFL.
For now, Carlson’s future is uncertain. At just 27 years old, he still has time to turn things around, but the clock is ticking. His powerful leg, demonstrated by that 55-yard field goal in San Francisco, is undeniable. Yet, the NFL demands reliability, and Carlson will need to prove he can deliver week in and week out to earn another shot.
As for the 49ers, don’t expect a reunion with Carlson. The team is focused on its own kicking competition between Jake Moody, now back from injury, and veteran Greg Joseph. San Francisco’s kicking woes last season underscored the importance of stability at the position, and they’re banking on Moody or Joseph to provide it.
Carlson’s release from the Jets is a stark reminder of the NFL’s cutthroat nature. With training camps looming, he’ll need to find a new home quickly to keep his career alive. Whether he can channel his San Francisco and New York performances into a fresh start remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Anders Carlson’s NFL dreams are hanging by a thread.