Greg Joseph and Anders Carlson worked out for Detroit.
On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions signed former Green Bay Packers kicker Greg Joseph to their practice squad. The Lions have played around with their kicking room throughout 2024, as their current starting kicker — Jake Bates — was added to the team via the UFL in June.
Last week, Bates, who the Packers attempted to recruit as a free agent, went two-of-two on field goals and two-of-two on extra points for the Lions, so it doesn’t appear that Joseph will be pushing Bates for the starting job anytime soon. With Joseph’s signing, the Lions are now one of two teams that are keeping a placekicker without an international exemption on their practice squad. The other team is the Indianapolis Colts, the Packers’ upcoming opponent.
Joseph was signed by Green Bay this offseason to push then-incumbent starter Anders Carlson, who struggled as a rookie in 2023. Previously, Joseph was the starting kicker for the Minnesota Vikings from 2021 through 2023. Joseph was initially kept on the Packers’ 53-man roster at cutdowns, beating out Carlson, but was released when Green Bay picked up Brayden Narveson off of waivers by way of the Tennessee Titans.
Interestingly enough, the Lions also worked out Carlson when they put Joseph to the test. Ultimately, the Lions made the same decision that the Packers did, choosing Joseph over the former Auburn product.
Detroit Lions Sign Greg Joseph to Practice Squad
In a strategic move this week, the Detroit Lions added former Green Bay Packers kicker Greg Joseph to their practice squad. This decision, coming on the heels of several changes to their kicking room in 2024, highlights the importance of securing depth at the placekicker position as teams across the league face increased competition and uncertainty in the kicking game.
For the Lions, their current starting kicker, Jake Bates, is an unusual addition in his own right. Bates was recruited from the United Football League (UFL) in June and quickly established himself as a solid option for Detroit. His performance has been reliable thus far, as evidenced by his flawless performance last week, where he went two-for-two on field goals and extra points. Given Bates’ early success, it’s unlikely that Greg Joseph, who was signed to the practice squad, will be competing for the starting role just yet. Instead, it seems Joseph will serve as a backup option — a role that is becoming increasingly common in the modern NFL as teams face injuries or potential declines in performance from their starting kickers.
The Ever-Changing Kicking Room in Detroit
The Lions’ willingness to experiment with their kicking situation is noteworthy. Throughout 2024, the team has shuffled various players in and out of their practice squad, perhaps in a bid to solidify their special teams unit. Historically, the Lions have struggled with consistency at kicker, so the addition of an experienced player like Joseph could provide a safety net if Bates falters.
Jake Bates’ journey to the Lions has been unconventional. Coming from the UFL — a developmental league that has slowly gained traction as a pipeline for NFL talent — Bates wasn’t expected to become a key player for Detroit. However, his strong preseason and regular-season debut performances have given the team confidence in his abilities. The UFL, which has provided several players to NFL teams over the years, often produces talent that flies under the radar but makes a lasting impact when given the opportunity. Bates’ success story is just one example of how alternative leagues like the UFL can play a pivotal role in shaping NFL rosters.
While Bates’ performance is solid, it’s not uncommon for NFL teams to keep a backup kicker on the practice squad, especially when injuries or declines in form can derail a season. In this case, Joseph’s signing gives the Lions insurance, should Bates’ form dip or if an injury arises.
Greg Joseph’s Journey and Previous NFL Success
Greg Joseph is no stranger to the NFL kicking scene, having carved out a respectable career over several seasons. Before joining the Lions’ practice squad, Joseph spent time with the Green Bay Packers earlier this offseason, where he was brought in to compete with the incumbent starter, Anders Carlson. Joseph’s addition to the Packers’ roster came after Carlson’s inconsistent rookie campaign in 2023, which saw the Packers look for alternative options heading into the 2024 season.
Joseph’s NFL career truly took off during his stint with the Minnesota Vikings, where he served as the team’s starting kicker from 2021 to 2023. During that period, Joseph displayed impressive consistency, converting 86% of his field goal attempts in 2022 and making several game-winning kicks in high-pressure situations. His performance in clutch moments, especially for the Vikings, helped solidify his reputation as a dependable option for teams in need of kicking talent.
However, despite Joseph’s reliability, Green Bay ultimately released him after they picked up kicker Brayden Narveson off waivers from the Tennessee Titans. Joseph found himself in an unusual position, being waived despite outperforming Carlson, which illustrates the unpredictable nature of NFL roster decisions.
Joseph’s addition to the Lions comes at an interesting time, as the team continues to evaluate their options. In fact, the Lions worked out multiple kickers, including Anders Carlson, before settling on Joseph. This marks a rare occurrence of two divisional rivals — the Lions and Packers — making similar decisions regarding the same players, further intensifying their rivalry. While Carlson didn’t land in Detroit, it’s worth noting that the Lions and Packers will be monitoring each other’s kicking decisions closely as the season progresses.
The Broader Impact on Special Teams in the NFL
The move to add Joseph also highlights a broader trend within the NFL. Teams are increasingly using their practice squad to stash backup kickers, something that was not as common in previous eras. As injuries mount throughout the season and as kicker consistency continues to be a challenge for many teams, having a ready replacement available can prevent disaster.
The Lions’ decision to carry Joseph on their practice squad makes them one of only two NFL teams to have a kicker without an international exemption in this capacity — the other team being the Indianapolis Colts. Interestingly, the Colts are set to face the Packers soon, making this a subplot worth watching. Will the Colts’ decision to keep a backup kicker pay off in a key matchup? And how will the Packers, after parting ways with Joseph, respond if their current kicking situation struggles?
Green Bay Packers’ Ongoing Kicking Battle
The Packers’ situation is equally intriguing. After drafting Anders Carlson in 2023, the organization had high hopes that he would become a long-term solution at the kicker position. But Carlson’s struggles as a rookie, including missed field goals in crucial moments, raised red flags for Green Bay’s coaching staff. The team signed Greg Joseph in the offseason to push Carlson and create competition, but despite Joseph winning that battle initially, the Packers decided to go a different route by bringing in Narveson from the Titans.
This sequence of events shows the Packers are still searching for stability at a position that has been a cornerstone of their success in past seasons. Green Bay’s willingness to bring in outside competition — even after Joseph’s release — indicates that they are not entirely sold on any of their current options, and the kicking situation may remain fluid throughout 2024.
The Detroit Lions’ decision to sign Greg Joseph to their practice squad reflects both a need for depth and a recognition of the volatility of the kicking position in the NFL. Joseph’s experience and past success provide Detroit with a safety net should Jake Bates encounter any difficulties. Additionally, Joseph’s journey from Minnesota to Green Bay, and now to Detroit, underscores the importance of having multiple options at kicker in today’s NFL. For the Packers, their decision to move on from Joseph in favor of a younger option leaves the door open for scrutiny if their kicking situation becomes unstable. As the season unfolds, both teams’ handling of their kickers will be a subplot worth watching closely.
This signing also highlights the broader trend of teams utilizing their practice squads to hold on to valuable specialists, ensuring that they are prepared for any eventualities that may arise during the grueling NFL season.