In the 2018 NFL Draft, Carlson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round, making his professional NFL debut with the team. After a brief stint with the Vikings, Carlson was waived and subsequently signed by the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders) in September 2018. Since joining the Raiders, Carlson has proven himself to be a reliable and efficient kicker, earning him a long-term contract extension with the team in 2021.