Raiders to Sign Kicker Matt Gay, Likely Parting Ways with Franchise Fixture

The Raiders have agreed to terms with veteran kicker Matt Gay, signaling the likely end of Daniel Carlson's tenure with the organization.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a free-agent deal with veteran kicker Matt Gay, a move that is expected to lead to the departure of the franchise's No. 2 all-time leading scorer, Daniel Carlson. Carlson, who is a free agent, would be the second holdover from the Raiders' days in Oakland to leave the team in the last week, following the trade of Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens.

Why it matters

The signing of Matt Gay signals a shift in the Raiders' kicking game as they look to bolster their special teams unit. Carlson has been a reliable and consistent presence for the Raiders, making him a fan favorite, but the team appears ready to move in a new direction.

The details

The Raiders agreed to terms with Matt Gay, a 31-year-old kicker who made just 17 of 23 field goal attempts last season with the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers. Gay previously kicked for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019 when Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler worked in the Buccaneers' front office.

  • The Raiders agreed to terms with Matt Gay on March 10, 2026.
  • Daniel Carlson is a free agent, and his departure would come after Maxx Crosby was traded to the Baltimore Ravens last week.

The players

Matt Gay

A 31-year-old veteran kicker who has played for the Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Daniel Carlson

The Raiders' No. 2 all-time leading scorer, who is a free agent and expected to depart the organization.

Maxx Crosby

A Raiders linebacker who was traded to the Baltimore Ravens last week.

Dave Ziegler

The Raiders' general manager, who previously worked in the front office of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they signed Matt Gay in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“The Raiders agreed to terms with a kicker to a free-agent deal as a likely replacement for the franchise's No. 2 all-time leading scorer Daniel Carlson.”

— Las Vegas Review-Journal (reviewjournal.com)

What’s next

The Raiders will need to officially sign Matt Gay and determine if they will re-sign or part ways with Daniel Carlson, who is set to become a free agent.

The takeaway

The Raiders' decision to sign Matt Gay signals a changing of the guard at the kicker position, as the team looks to move on from the reliable but aging Daniel Carlson. This move is part of a broader roster overhaul for the Raiders as they aim to build a contending team for the future.