Raiders Sign K Matt Gay in Surprise NFL Move

The Las Vegas Raiders have added kicker Matt Gay to their roster, as reported by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. The 31-year-old specialist enters this new chapter amid a series of team changes, highlighting the Raiders’ effort to strengthen their kicking game.

Matt Gay’s Journey Through Multiple NFL Teams

Matt Gay began his NFL career when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 draft out of Utah. After signing a four-year contract worth $2.8 million, Gay was released by Tampa Bay following training camp ahead of his second year. He then joined the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad, only to be signed by the Los Angeles Rams during the 2020 season.

Gay re-signed with the Rams in 2022 under a restricted free agent deal, but soon tested the open market. He then returned to the Colts on a four-year, $22.5 million contract, which was the most lucrative free agent deal for a kicker at that time.

The Colts released him before the final two seasons when his base salary was set at $4.75 million each year. Gay then secured a fully guaranteed one-year, $4.25 million deal with the Washington Commanders but was released shortly after signing. He next joined the San Francisco 49ers, who also released him soon after.

Performance Overview and Future Outlook

During his most recent stint with Washington in 2025, Gay played 12 games, successfully converting 17 of 23 field goal attempts, a 73.9 percent success rate, and made all 26 extra point attempts. The Raiders’ decision to bring him on suggests confidence in his experience and potential to contribute consistently in the close contests crucial to NFL success.

This new signing could mark a stable chapter for Matt Gay as the Raiders look to improve their special teams, potentially impacting their performance in the upcoming NFL season.