For eight seasons, Daniel Carlson embodied reliability. Signed off the Vikings’ scrap heap in October 2018, he immediately set a Raiders record by converting 94 percent of his field goals that year. Carlson’s range and calm under pressure helped Las Vegas win several tight games. He won AFC Special Teams Player of the Week multiple times, hit a 56‑yarder on Thanksgiving 2021, and signed a four‑year, $18.4 million extension that made him one of the NFL’s highest‑paid kickers. Over the next two seasons he converted 34‑of‑37 field goals in 2022 (91.9%) and 26‑of‑30 in 2023 (86.7%). Even a 60‑yard game‑winner in 2025 couldn’t mask a downward trend: Carlson’s field‑goal rate fell to 81.5% last season. With his four‑year deal expiring, the Raiders allowed him to test free agency. He remains unsigned, marking the end of an era.
Enter Matt Gay: Familiar Coach, New Opportunity
General manager John Spytek and special‑teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis pivoted to veteran Matt Gay. Drafted by Tampa Bay in 2019, Gay’s best football came under DeCamillis with the Rams. He made 32‑of‑34 field goals (94.1%) during the Rams’ Super Bowl run in 2021 and 28‑of‑30 (93.3%) the next season. Those peak years earned him a Pro Bowl nod and cemented his reputation from 20‑49 yards. However, he has been less reliable from distance, converting 59.2% of attempts from 50+ yards. Gay’s efficiency dipped to 73.9% last season across Washington and San Francisco. The Raiders still see value: DeCamillis knows how to optimize Gay’s mechanics, and a short‑term contract around $3 million (Modeled Estimate) offers flexibility if he returns to form.
Meet Kansei Matsuzawa: The “Tokyo Toe”
The wild card is Kansei Matsuzawa, the Japanese‑born kicker whose path defies convention. In 2018, the 19‑year‑old tourist attended a Raiders game and decided on the spot to become an NFL kicker. Back in Chiba, he bought footballs and taught himself to kick by studying YouTube videos. Matsuzawa practiced alone at night so he wouldn’t disturb kids at the park, then worked his way into Japan’s Fujitsu Frontiers before emailing highlight tapes to U.S. junior colleges. Hocking College offered him a slot; he battled through language barriers and gradually earned the starting job. Hawaii special‑teams coordinator Thomas Sheffield saw his potential, and in 2025 Matsuzawa exploded: he hit 27 of 29 field goals, including 25 straight to open the season, and drilled a career‑long 52‑yarder. His 93.1% conversion rate earned consensus All‑American honors. After the 2026 draft, he signed a three‑year undrafted free‑agent contract with Las Vegas. The deal carries minimal guarantees and pays the first‑year minimum ($885 k) if he makes the roster.
Performance Impact and Competition
From a pure numbers standpoint, Carlson’s career field‑goal percentage (86.9%) and long‑range success (59% from 50+ yards) exceed Gay’s 84.3% and 48% from 50+ yards. But Gay offers near‑perfect accuracy inside 40 yards and a clean extra‑point record (96.7% career). Matsuzawa’s college résumé shows elite accuracy and mental toughness—qualities Las Vegas covets in the post‑Carlson era. His leg strength (52‑yard long) isn’t yet on Carlson’s 60‑yard level, but his short‑ and mid‑range consistency could be valuable for a Klint Kubiak offense that struggled in the red zone.
Financially, moving off Carlson’s $4.6 million annual cap hit clears space for premium positions. Gay’s contract is smaller and Matsuzawa’s is bargain‑basement. Strategically, the Raiders could stash Matsuzawa on the practice squad via the International Player Pathway program while Gay handles game duties. If Gay struggles or gets hurt, “Tokyo Toe” provides immediate insurance.
FAQs
Why did the Raiders let Daniel Carlson go?
His field‑goal percentage declined from 94% in 2020 to 81.5% in 2025. With his contract expiring and his salary among the highest at his position, the team opted for cheaper options.
What makes Matt Gay appealing despite recent struggles?
Gay thrived under special‑teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis with the Rams, hitting over 93% of his kicks in 2021–22. The Raiders believe reuniting with DeCamillis can help him regain that form.
Who is Kansei Matsuzawa?
A Japanese kicker who discovered the NFL at a Raiders game, taught himself kicking via YouTube and became Hawaii’s first consensus All‑American after hitting 27‑of‑29 field goals in 2025. He signed a three‑year deal with Las Vegas.
Could both kickers make the roster?
Yes. Gay is the presumptive starter, while Matsuzawa can develop on a special practice‑squad exemption. Competition will determine if he unseats Gay or sticks as depth.
How does this impact the offense?
Special teams will remain crucial in Kubiak’s scheme. Gay’s reliability inside 40 yards pairs with Matsuzawa’s upside. The Raiders are betting that a lower‑cost duo can match or surpass Carlson’s production while freeing cap space for other needs.