Raiders Face a Major Daniel Carlson Dilemma
The Las Vegas Raiders may soon need to find a new kicker after the 2025 NFL season, as Daniel Carlson’s form appears to have declined noticeably. Through the decades, the Raiders—both in Oakland and Las Vegas—have been home to some legendary kickers.
From George Blanda paving the way for Sebastian Janikowski, to the team’s good fortune landing Daniel Carlson midway through the 2018 season, special teams have long been a source of pride. Carlson quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname “Cash Money Carlson” for his consistency and dependability in clutch situations.
In recent seasons, however, that reliability has faded. His struggles have been evident throughout 2025, culminating in a costly Week 9 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Week 9 Breakdown
During that matchup, Carlson’s performance came under heavy scrutiny. He failed to reach the landing zone with the opening kickoff, setting a poor tone early on. Later, he missed an extra point attempt in the first half—an error that ultimately proved decisive when the game went to overtime and Las Vegas lost by one point.
Adding to the sting, Jaguars kicker Cam Little drilled an NFL-record 68-yard field goal to close the first half, underscoring the contrast between the two kickers.
Head coach Pete Carroll all but admitted how frustrating this was during his postgame media availability.
Looking Ahead
The Raiders now face a difficult decision as Carlson’s once-reliable leg shows signs of decline. The question is whether they will seek a new kicker heading into 2026, or hope their long-time specialist can regain his old form.
Author’s Summary: The Raiders are weighing their options after Daniel Carlson’s costly slump threatens his status as the team’s once-dependable kicker.