Raiders Sign Veteran Kicker Matt Gay

Las Vegas adds experienced kicker to replace Daniel Carlson

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran kicker Matt Gay to a multi-year contract. Gay, who has played for several teams over his 6-year NFL career, will replace Daniel Carlson as the Raiders' kicker. Carlson had been with the Raiders since 2018 but has seen a decline in recent seasons.

Why it matters

The Raiders' kicking game has been a strength in recent years, so this move signals a shift in the team's special teams approach. Gay brings experience and a solid career field goal percentage, but questions remain about whether he can regain the form he showed with the Rams a few years ago.

The details

Gay, who turns 32 this weekend, has played for the Buccaneers, Rams, Colts, Commanders and 49ers over his 6-year NFL career. He has made 84.3% of his field goal attempts, with his best season coming in 2021-22 with the Rams. New Raiders special teams coach Joe Decamilas was Gay's coach during that time. The Raiders are hoping Gay can provide stability and consistency to their kicking game after Carlson's recent struggles.

  • Gay will turn 32 years old this weekend (March 12, 2026).
  • Gay played for the Rams in 2021-22 under new Raiders special teams coach Joe Decamilas.

The players

Matt Gay

A 6-year NFL veteran kicker who has played for several teams, including the Buccaneers, Rams, Colts, Commanders and 49ers. He has made 84.3% of his field goal attempts over his career.

Daniel Carlson

The Raiders' kicker since 2018 who has seen a decline in recent seasons, leading the team to sign the more experienced Matt Gay.

John Spytek

The Las Vegas Raiders' general manager, who previously worked with Matt Gay when they were both with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019.

Joe Decamilas

The new Raiders special teams coach, who was also Gay's coach during his best seasons with the Rams in 2021-22.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Raiders will be hoping that Gay can regain his 2021-22 form and provide stability to their kicking game as they look to build on a promising 2025 season.

The takeaway

This move signals the Raiders' desire to upgrade their special teams unit after some inconsistent play from Daniel Carlson in recent years. Gay brings experience and a proven track record, but the team will be counting on him to rediscover his best form from a few seasons ago.