The Las Vegas Raiders might need to find a new kicker after the 2025 NFL season due to Daniel Carlson's declining performance. Historically, the Raiders have had several legendary kickers, from George Blanda to Sebastian Janikowski. Carlson joined the team midway through the 2018 season and quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname "Cash Money Carlson" for his accuracy and crucial role on the team.
For many years, Carlson was reliable, consistently delivering for the Raiders. However, in recent seasons, especially in 2025, his performance has notably dropped.
The matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9 was a clear example of Carlson's struggles. He failed to kick the ball into the landing zone on the opening drive, setting a negative tone for the Raiders. Additionally, he missed an extra point in the first half.
This proved costly, as the Raiders lost in overtime by a single point.
Head coach Pete Carroll acknowledged the frustration during his postgame media availability.
In contrast, Jaguars' second-year kicker Cam Little made an NFL-record 68-yard field goal to end the first half, highlighting the difference in kicking performances that day.
Daniel Carlson’s recent struggles have become a serious issue for the Raiders, jeopardizing their kicking game and potentially prompting a change after 2025.
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