Saints Cut Daniel Carlson and Bring Back Audric Estimé

The Saints have parted ways with Daniel Carlson after seven games and added running back Audric Estimé, who was waived by Cleveland on November 2. The moves leave New Orleans without an announced replacement for Carlson and reunite the team with a back who had previously played for the Saints.

Carlson made eight of 12 field-goal attempts during his New Orleans stint, a 66.7% success rate, and missed two of 18 extra-point tries. Coach Kellen Moore said on November 2 that the team had no kicker tryouts planned for the week. Practice-squad player Charlie Smyth is the only kicker mentioned as a possible option; last season, he made 12 of 16 field goals and all 13 extra points for New Orleans.

Estimé, 23, spent the previous three games with the Browns, carrying nine times for 19 yards and scoring once. Cleveland had added him from Minnesota’s practice squad in October. The Saints initially signed him in 2025, and he later recorded 94 rushing yards and a touchdown in a win over Tennessee. He was released by New Orleans in September, then spent time on Minnesota’s and Cleveland’s practice squads.

The Saints’ backfield also includes Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller and CJ Donaldson. Donaldson is in concussion protocol, while Travis Etienne Jr. remains sidelined because of a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring. Estimé could take on a short-term role if Donaldson is unavailable; the team has not provided an update on Etienne’s return.