5 former Vikings players who thrived in the NFL in 2022
By Adam Carlson
Daniel Carlson, kicker – Las Vegas Raiders
Daniel Carlson‘s story is a bit different from that of every other player on this list. Unlike the others, Carlson wasn’t beloved by the fans, coaches, or front office of the Minnesota Vikings prior to his exit.
A fifth-round pick of Minnesota in 2018, Carlson only had the opportunity to attempt four field goals and six extra points before he was released. He missed three of those four field goals (all from 40 yards or more out and the team got impatient with him.
The Raiders signed the young kicker and he has been fantastic since, connecting on 143 of his 162 field goal attempts, connecting on 89.9 percent of his tries. Meanwhile, the Vikings have struggled to find kicking consistency.
In 2022, Carlson didn’t miss a single field goal attempt of under 40 yards. His skill earned him an All-Pro nod last season and the young kicker continues to have a bright future ahead of him with the Las Vegas Raiders.