Raiders Face Big Daniel Carlson Kicker Problem
The Las Vegas Raiders may need to find a new kicker after the 2025 NFL season, as Daniel Carlson’s performance has noticeably declined. The franchise has a rich history of legendary kickers, including George Blanda and 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 reliable accuracy and clutch kicking.
From Fan Favorite to Struggles
For years, Carlson was a dependable force for the Raiders. However, his success has faded recently, with the 2025 season showing a marked drop in his effectiveness. A clear example came in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a game that highlighted Carlson’s struggles and cost Las Vegas a vital win.
Week 9: A Costly Game
- On the opening drive, Carlson failed to land a kick inside the designated zone, setting a negative tone.
- He missed an extra point in the first half, a critical error.
- The Raiders eventually lost in overtime by one point, emphasizing the impact of those missed kicks.
Contrasting Performances
The Raiders’ woes were made more evident by the strong showing of the Jaguars’ second-year kicker, Cam Little, who set 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.”
Summary
Daniel Carlson’s declining performance in 2025 puts the Raiders in a difficult position regarding their kicking game moving forward.
“Daniel Carlson has seemingly lost his touch, impacting the Raiders during crucial moments of the season.”
Author’s Note
The Raiders face a critical decision as Carlson’s recent struggles challenge their special teams and overall competitiveness.