When the Packers selected Anders Carlson in the sixth round of this year’s draft, veteran Mason Crosby‘s time in Green Bay seemed to be over. The door had remained opened to a potential reunion, but that no longer appears to be the case. 
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said in April that a new contract for Crosby, 38, was under consideration. The latter has spent his entire 16-year career in Green Bay, never missing a game along the way. Crosby had a strong season overall in 2022, connecting on 25 of 29 field goal attempts and all but two of his extra point tries. He went just one-for-four on field goals beyond 50 yards, however, and the presence of Carlson as a long-term replacement points to Crosby heading elsewhere to extend his NFL career.
Indeed, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic notes that an underwhelming performance during training camp and the preseason from Carlson will not be enough to warrant a Crosby reunion (subscription required). The veteran no longer lives in Green Bay, making him one of several experienced options at the kicking position on the lookout for a new opportunity as training camps are set to get underway.
Robbie Gould, Randy Bullock and Brett Maher all remain unsigned at this point, as teams search for younger, most cost-effective options in the kicking game. Gould has made clear his desire to continue his career outside of San Francisco after his 49ers tenure unintentionally came to an end this offseason. It will be interesting to monitor how much Crosby is willing or able to do the same after a lengthy run with one team.
Green Bay has Carlson – who only eclipsed 72% on his field goal percentage in one of his five seasons at Auburn – on the roster, along with former UDFA Daniel Whelan. That pair will have plenty of questions to answer during camp, while Crosby weighs his options regarding the post-Packers chapter of his career.
It’s sickening to see Hall of Famers like Gould and Crosby not being able to ride out their careers on their own terms.
Sickening? First neither of them will be hall of famers, Crosby though will at least sit in the packers hall.
The packers need someone who has leg strength now that they won’t be as dominating of a offense, Crosby lost that years ago. Yes he is accurate, (always has been) but his leg isn’t going to get those 50 yarders anymore.
With how fast kicker turnaround is being able to be play elite ball for damn near 20 years is worth a bust in Canton
Kickoffs have also been an issue for years, as Crosby can’t even get the ball to the end zone at this point.
Crosby can’t finish his career with Green Bay? Joe Namath ended his career in Los Angeles. Franco Harris ended his career in Seattle. Joe Montana ended his career in Kansas City. Emmitt Smith ended his career in Arizona. Brett Favre ended his career in Minnesota.
Crosby might be a good addition to a team that plays indoors, but the decline in his leg strength means he will likely be a victim of the league’s foolish new kick-off rule.
Both over 1900 points and over 85 percent on field goals. Might not make HOF but they are some of the best of their generation career wise!
The great thing is the GB Packers know special teams. Constantly out performing every expectation that their fans have so it will not be a disappointment when and if Carlson misses a kick to finish a game. When you can save a few bucks because championship will not be used in the current season. People will Love it or else.
I don’t even know who the Jets have for a kicker, but part of me is astonished he hasn’t been sent packing and Crosby brought in.
But it can still happen.
Just a friendly heads up pal… Daniel Whelan is a punter not a place kicker
Crosby had a good run in Green Bay but it’s probably time for the Packers to bring Stills, Nash & Young in for a workout.