The Green Bay Packers held a kicking competition during the offseason between Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph. In the end, the team opted for a different route entirely, choosing rookie Brayden Narveson instead.
Carlson, who had a tough rookie year, and Joseph, couldn’t convince the team they were the right choice. Carlson was cut during the 53-man roster reduction, and Joseph was let go shortly after when the Packers claimed Narveson off waivers.
Given Carlson’s struggles last year, it’s a bit surprising the Packers decided to trust an undrafted rookie. However, Coach Matt LaFleur is confident in Narveson’s abilities. “I mean, yeah, I’ve seen enough to be confident in him,” LaFleur said Sunday about Narveson. “So, if that’s what you’re asking: Do I have confidence in him? Absolutely, I do. I know Rich (Bisaccia), Byron (Storer), and Kyle (Wilber), along with our scouting department, really liked him coming out of college. He was someone they had on a short list of people they wanted to work with. And when he became available, you saw what we did. We scooped him up.”
Last season, LaFleur stood by Carlson despite his struggles, but this offseason, the Packers decided to bring in Joseph and several other kickers to challenge him.
It’s uncertain how Narveson will perform in actual games, especially during those tough December matchups in Green Bay. Nevertheless, the NC State alum displayed a powerful leg during the preseason with Tennessee, successfully hitting six out of seven field goal attempts, including a 59-yarder and a game-winner.
Narveson admitted he expected to return to the Titans’ practice squad but is thrilled about the opportunity in Green Bay. “I prepared, I got opportunities in the games, I executed in the games,” he said. “That gave me the chance to come here, and I’m ecstatic. I’m excited to be here, and I’m going to continue to get better, because I don’t want to stop here and I don’t feel like I’ve arrived.”
The rookie will have the chance to showcase his powerful leg as the Packers open the 2024 season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night in São Paulo.
