Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson is one of the highest-paid kickers in the National Football League, and deservingly so.
In 2021, the Raiders did not even wait until the end of the season to extend their two special teams stars when they signed Carlson and punter AJ Cole to four-year contract extensions in early December.
Carlson's extension was worth $18.4 million. At the time, his $4.6-million per year average ranked third in the league among kickers. It now ranks eighth.
The then fourth-year pro was having the best season of his career and eventually led the league in field goal attempts (43) and field goals made (40). He would end up being named to the Associated Press All-Pro Second Team.
Carlson followed up with perhaps an even better 2022 season, having made a career-high 11 field goals on 13 attempts from at least 50 yards out. He finished the campaign with 34 field goals made and was named to the AP All-Pro First Team.
While still considered one of the best kickers in the league, Carlson had somewhat of a down year this season, having made just 26 field goals on 30 attempts, his lowest mark since 2019-20. He made just one field goal from beyond 50 yards.
Carlson did not make an AP All-Pro Team for the first time since 2020-21. Make no mistake, though, one mediocre season does not mean Carlson is done being an elite kicker in this league.
The veteran kicker still has two years left on his contract until he becomes a free agent in 2026. It certainly would be no surprise if he earns another extension in the coming years, though.
Carlson is second in franchise history in field goals made (168), still a ways behind Raiders legend Sebastian Janikowski (414).
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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