Las Vegas Raiders Face Kicking Challenges with Daniel Carlson
The Las Vegas Raiders may need to consider finding a new kicker after the 2025 NFL season, as their current kicker, Daniel Carlson, appears to be struggling. Historically, the Raiders have had a number of legendary kickers, including George Blanda and Sebastian Janikowski.
Daniel Carlson’s Rise and Decline
Carlson joined the Raiders partway through the 2018 season and quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname "Cash Money Carlson" for his reliability and accuracy. For many years, he was a key player for the team, consistently delivering results under pressure.
However, his performance has noticeably declined in recent times, most notably during the 2025 NFL season, where he no longer appears to be at his best.
Week 9 Game Against Jacksonville Jaguars
The Raiders' Week 9 game illustrated Carlson’s recent struggles. He failed to kick the ball into the landing zone on the opening drive, setting a negative tone early on. Additionally, Carlson missed an extra point in the first half, a mistake that ultimately cost the Raiders dearly.
The game went into overtime, and the Raiders lost by just one point, a margin directly influenced by Carlson’s missed kick.
Contrast with Jaguars’ Kicker
In sharp contrast, the Jacksonville Jaguars' second-year kicker, Cam Little, made an NFL-record 68-yard field goal to close out the first half, highlighting the difference in performance between the two kickers.
Head coach Pete Carroll expressed his frustration after the game, implying how difficult the outcome was due to the kicking game.
Summary
The Raiders’ kicking issues with Daniel Carlson mark a significant concern for the team’s future as they potentially look for solutions beyond the 2025 season.
Author's note: Daniel Carlson’s decline this season highlights a critical problem for the Raiders that could prompt a major roster change at kicker.