Raiders Face Major Daniel Carlson Kicking Issues
The Las Vegas Raiders might be looking for a new kicker following the 2025 NFL season, as Daniel Carlson appears to have lost his once-reliable form.
Historical Context of Raiders Kickers
The Raiders franchise, both in Oakland and Las Vegas, has been home to several iconic kickers over the years. George Blanda paved the way for Sebastian Janikowski, and after Janikowski's retirement, the Raiders found Daniel Carlson midway through the 2018 season.
Daniel Carlson’s Rise and Decline
Carlson quickly became a favorite among fans, earning the nickname "Cash Money Carlson" due to his accuracy and clutch kicking. For years he consistently delivered when the team needed him most. However, his performance has declined recently, most notably during the 2025 season.
Week 9 Breakdown vs. Jaguars
The Week 9 match against the Jacksonville Jaguars highlighted Carlson’s struggles. On the opening drive, he failed to place the kickoff in the proper landing zone, which negatively impacted the team's momentum. Later, he missed an extra point, a critical error as the game went into overtime.
The Raiders eventually lost by a single point, an outcome heavily influenced by Carlson’s missed kicks. In contrast, Jaguars kicker Cam Little successfully made an NFL-record 68-yard field goal just before halftime.
Head coach Pete Carroll expressed his frustration about the situation in his postgame comments.
Summary
The Raiders’ longtime kicker Daniel Carlson has shown noticeable decline in 2025, prompting concerns about his future with the team as missed crucial kicks contributed to close losses.