Raiders Face a Major Daniel Carlson Challenge
The Las Vegas Raiders might need to find a new kicker after the 2025 NFL season as Daniel Carlson's performance has noticeably declined. Over the years, the Raiders, both Oakland and Las Vegas, have had several legendary kickers.
History of Raiders' Kickers
- George Blanda set the stage before Sebastian Janikowski rose to prominence.
- Two years after Janikowski's retirement, the Raiders signed Daniel Carlson during the 2018 season.
- Carlson quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname "Cash Money Carlson" for his accuracy and clutch kicking.
Recent Downturn in Performance
While Carlson maintained his reputation as a reliable kicker for years, his performance has dipped recently. The 2025 NFL season, in particular, has exposed some struggles.
Week 9 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The game perfectly demonstrated Carlson's difficulties. On the opening drive, he failed to land the kickoff in the proper zone, setting a negative tone. He also missed an extra point in the first half, a critical error.
This oversight contributed to the Raiders losing in overtime by a single point.
"His poor performance was contrasted by second-year Jaguars kicker Cam Little, who made an NFL-record 68-yard field goal to end the first half. Head coach Pete Carroll all but admitted how frustrating this was during his postgame media availability."
Summary
Daniel Carlson's recent struggles have become a significant issue for the Raiders, threatening the stability of their kicking game and possibly prompting a search for new talent after 2025.
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