With the NFL offseason almost in full effect, it is the perfect time for franchises to evaluate their rosters and figure out how they can improve. For the Oakland Raiders, they have probably already made their biggest move by luring Jon Gruden away from the broadcasting booth and onto their sidelines.
With Gruden now in the fold, the Raiders can go in several different directions in regards to how they want to reshape the team in free agency and the draft. However, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, it appears the silver and black have made a decision regarding popular placekicker Sebastian Janikowski:
Raiders informed kicker Sebastian Janikowski today that they do not plan to bring him back for the 2018 season, per source. An 18-year run with Raiders comes to an end.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 14, 2018
After spending the 2017 NFL season on injured reserve, Janikowski’s Raiders career finally comes to an end despite him stating he would like to play for the team when they officially move to Las Vegas. The kicker spent 18 years with the silver and black and proved to be worthy of his first-round selection back in the 2000 NFL Draft.
Although he is 39 years old, Janikowski is sure to draw interest from several teams this offseason given his power and accuracy. Janikowski holds several NFL records such as most field goals in a quarter as well as the longest field goal in overtime.
Georgio Tavecchio kicked in Janikowski’s place and did an admirable job, although he did struggle at times. While it is uncertain who will be kicking for the Raiders next year, the team has more pressing needs to address, particularly on the defensive side of the field.
