Raiders Face a Major Problem with Daniel Carlson
The Las Vegas Raiders might need to look for a new kicker after the 2025 NFL season, as Daniel Carlson’s reliability appears to be declining.
A History of Legendary Raiders Kickers
The Raiders have had numerous notable kickers, including George Blanda, who paved the way for Sebastian Janikowski. Two years after Janikowski retired, the team found Daniel Carlson mid-2018 season. Quickly, Carlson became a fan favorite and earned the nickname "Cash Money Carlson" for his precision and clutch performances.
Recent Decline in Performance
While Carlson was consistently dependable for years, his performance has fallen off, especially in the ongoing 2025 season. The Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars highlighted his struggles.
Week 9 Game Against Jacksonville Jaguars
- Carlson failed to kick the ball into the landing zone on the opening drive, setting a negative tone for the Raiders.
- He missed an extra point in the first half, a rare lapse that ultimately proved costly.
- The Raiders lost the game in overtime by a single point, a margin directly impacted by Carlson’s missed kick.
Contrast with Jaguars Kicker
Meanwhile, Jaguars’ second-year kicker Cam Little made headlines by setting an NFL record with a 68-yard field goal to end the first half.
“Head coach Pete Carroll all but admitted how frustrating this was during his postgame media availability.”
Clearly, Carlson’s recent struggles have become a major concern for the Raiders moving forward.