He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008 after playing college football for the University of Montana.

[2] His 123 points that season were the second-highest total in school history, and his performance earned him a second-team All-Big Sky selection.

After going undrafted in the 2008 NFL draft, Carpenter signed a two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on April 29, 2008.

"[6] Carpenter made his professional debut on September 7, 2008 (Week 1) against the Jets, going 2/2 on PAT's (the team attempted no FG's).

[12][13] On December 5, 2010, Carpenter made a 60-yard field goal in a home game against the Cleveland Browns and was the 5th longest in NFL history.

[14] Two weeks later, on December 19, Carpenter had one of the worst statistical kicking performances in recent memory, going 0–4 on field goals against the Buffalo Bills in a loss that would end the Dolphins playoff hopes that season.

A performance this bad would not be seen again until Week 5 of the 2018 NFL season when Mason Crosby went 1–6 on field goals against the Detroit Lions.

[17] San Diego Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding did not play due to injury, and Carpenter took his spot.

[23] Carpenter was signed to compete for the starting placekicker job with incumbent kicker Jay Feely.

[26] The Bills signed Carpenter on September 3, 2013, due to a groin injury sustained by starting kicker Dustin Hopkins.

On October 20, 2013, against the Miami Dolphins, Carpenter kicked three field goals, including the game-winner from 31 yards out with 33 seconds left in the game.

On September 14, 2014, against the Miami Dolphins, Carpenter converted five-of-six field goal attempts and two PATs, scoring a career-high 17 points.

[31] On December 24, 2016, Week 16 – in overtime the Bills had a chance to go ahead on a 45-yard field goal, but Carpenter’s attempt went wide right.

[33] Born in Omaha, Nebraska, the 3rd child of Val and Diane Carpenter, moved to Helena, Montana when he was 20 months old.