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, spanning both Oakland and Las Vegas eras, has had a history of legendary kickers. George Blanda paved the way for Sebastian Janikowski, and following Janikowski’s retirement, the team found Carlson midway through the 2018 season.
Carlson quickly became a fan favorite and earned the nickname “Cash Money Carlson” due to his accuracy and the frequency with which the Raiders depended on him. For many years, he consistently delivered.
However, Carlson’s effectiveness has clearly diminished recently, especially throughout the 2025 season. The Week 9 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars highlighted his struggles, ultimately costing the Raiders the victory.
Head coach Pete Carroll expressed his frustration during the postgame media session, hinting at how costly these mistakes were.
Daniel Carlson’s decline presents a significant challenge for the Raiders, as reliable kicking remains critical for close games.
Author’s summary: Daniel Carlson’s once-reliable kicking has faltered in 2025, forcing the Raiders to seriously consider a replacement to avoid costly game losses.