This time of the year is always hard on NFL general managers. As the preseason comes to a close, they must trim their roster down to just 53 players. For a team that starts with 90 players, the general manager has lots of tough decisions to make.
In the case of former general managers, it can become a time of reflection. Former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has decided to answer some questions from fans about his tenure as an NFL executive.
One of the questions that Spielman was asked was about which player he regrets cutting the most. To the surprise of some, his answer was kicker Daniel Carlson. He was a fifth-round pick by the Vikings. In fact, he is one of the greatest college kickers ever and left Auburn as the SEC’s all-time leader in points scored.
Former #Vikings GM Rick Spielman says the player he regrets cutting the most in his career is Daniel Carlson
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— Adam Patrick (@Str8_Cash_Homey) August 23, 2022
Daniel Carlson Is Elite In Las Vegas
As Spielman stated, the Vikings released Carlson after he missed three kicks that cost his team in Green Bay back in 2018. The Raiders would soon sign him and make him their starting kicker. He would quickly become one of the best kickers in the NFL as he finished the 2022 season in third place in total points scored.
“The player I regret cutting the most was Daniel Carlson,” said Spielman. As crazy as it may sound, an elite kicker like Carlson may have been able to prolong his career as a general manager. The praise from Spielman did not stop there, however. “He may go down as one of the best kickers in NFL history.”
While the Vikings currently bemoan the loss of Carlson, the Raiders are happy to have him. He was signed to an extension in 2020 and was crucial to the team’s success last season. Furthermore, he has already been etched into Raiders’ history as the guy who made the kick that put the Raiders in the playoffs. A special player at his position, Las Vegas is certainly thankful for Spielman’s mistake.
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*Top Photo: NFL Spin Zone
