The Las Vegas Raiders may need to find a new kicker after the 2025 NFL season, as Daniel Carlson has appeared to lose his once-reliable touch.
The Raiders have had several legendary kickers throughout the years. George Blanda set the precedent before Sebastian Janikowski took the stage. Two years after Janikowski retired, the Raiders discovered Daniel Carlson during the 2018 season.
Carlson quickly became a fan favorite within Raider Nation and earned the nickname "Cash Money Carlson" thanks to his impressive accuracy and crucial role in the team’s scoring. For many years, he consistently delivered results for the Silver and Black.
However, his performance has significantly declined in recent seasons, particularly during the 2025 NFL season.
This game perfectly highlighted Carlson's struggles, which ultimately cost Las Vegas the win. On the opening drive, he failed to kick the ball into the landing zone, setting a negative tone for the match. Additionally, he missed an extra point in the first half, a mistake that proved costly.
The Raiders lost in overtime by a single point.
Head coach Pete Carroll acknowledged the frustration during the postgame press conference.
Carlson's poor day stood in stark contrast to Jacksonville Jaguars' second-year kicker, Cam Little, who set an NFL record with a 68-yard field goal to close the first half.
The Raiders' kicking situation, once a strong asset due to Carlson’s accuracy, now poses a significant challenge that may force the team to seek a replacement.
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