With mandatory mini-camp wrapping up, teams are one step closer toward the 2017 NFL season. The Oakland Raiders have been focusing on integrating their draft picks and free agents, as well as making sure Derek Carr’s rehab goes smoothly.
Lost in the shuffle of all the headlines this year is Sebastian Janikowski. The veteran kicker has played for Oakland his entire career and according to Raiders, Janikowski admitted h would like to play for the team even when they move to Las Vegas:
“I hope so, that’s my goal. That’s not my decision.”
Janikowski is entering the final year of his four-year, $19 million deal and will need to be re-signed if he wants to play in the new Las Vegas stadium with the team. However, the stadium is not expected to be completed for at least another two seasons, meaning that Janikowski and the Raiders would need to agree to another long-term deal.
Although he is already 39 years old, Janikowski has proven to be one of the most reliable kickers in the league, as he routinely displays both incredible power and accuracy. Last season, Janikowski converted on 29 out of 35 field goal attempts while also nailing 37 out of 39 extra point attempts. He also holds several NFL kicking records, such as longest field goal in overtime at 57 yards and most field goals in a quarter with four.
With Janikowski publically saying he would like to remain with the Raiders for the long-term, the team should have little doubt as to whether or not to bring him back. If he remains as productive as he has been, the kicker should be wearing silver and black until he retires.
