Raiders roster: 5 Pending FAs who are key to a playoff berth in 2021

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a field goal against the Los Angeles Chargers during overtime at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a field goal against the Los Angeles Chargers during overtime at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders roster: 5 Pending FAs who are key to a playoff berth in 2021

Daniel Carlson, K

Since coming over to the Raiders during his rookie season, one that saw him released by the team who drafted him, the Minnesota Vikings, after a handful of games, Daniel Carlson has been pretty consistent. In 2019, he was a bit up-and-down, but he rebounded in a big way in 2020, establishing himself as one of the game’s best young kickers.

In 2021, Carlson will be counted on once again, and for an offense that seems to stall when they get into plus-territory, his leg is crucial. Las Vegas does have the playmakers to punch the ball into the end zone this season, including newcomers like Kenyan Drake, John Brown, and Willie Snead, but extra points are no longer gimmes.

Carlson is a player that I would like to see the Raiders give a long-term contract to next offseason, especially if he kicks as well as he did last season. With his age, the Silver and Black could be set at the position for a very long time, much like they were when Sebastian Janikowski was blasting footballs in Oakland.

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