Raiders Face a Major Daniel Carlson Issue
The Las Vegas Raiders may soon need a new kicker, as Daniel Carlson appears to have lost the consistency that once defined his career. Over the decades, both the Oakland and Las Vegas iterations of the team have featured standout kickers, from George Blanda paving the way for Sebastian Janikowski, to the eventual arrival of Carlson in 2018 after Seabass’ retirement.
Carlson quickly became a fan favorite within Raider Nation, earning the nickname "Cash Money Carlson" for his precision and reliability in clutch moments. For many seasons, he lived up to that name, consistently delivering when his team needed him the most.
The Decline in Form
In recent years, however, Carlson’s sharpness has noticeably waned. The 2025 NFL season has highlighted his struggles, with Week 9’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars serving as a clear example. His performance directly influenced the game’s outcome, costing the Raiders a crucial win.
- Failed to kick the ball into the landing zone on the opening drive, setting an early negative tone.
- Missed an extra point in the first half, which ultimately proved costly when the game went to overtime.
The Raiders eventually lost by a single point—a reminder of how even small mistakes can shift the tide of a game.
Contrast with Cam Little’s Record Kick
Adding to the sting, Jacksonville’s second-year kicker Cam Little delivered an NFL-record 68-yard field goal to close out the first half, underscoring the difference in performance on that day.
"Head coach Pete Carroll all but admitted how frustrating this was during his postgame media availability."
Carlson’s future with the Raiders is now uncertain, as his reliability—once his hallmark—appears to be fading at a critical moment.
Author’s Summary
Daniel Carlson’s decline has left the Raiders questioning their kicking stability, with recent costly misses threatening his previously dependable reputation.