The Las Vegas Raiders announced the acquisition of Pro Bowl placekicker Matt Gay on Monday, signaling a significant change at the position heading into the 2026 NFL season. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the team has finalized a contract agreement with Gay, ending speculation about their plans for the kicking role. The Raiders’ move coincides with questions about the future of longtime kicker Daniel Carlson, raising concerns among fans regarding the team’s direction.
Fan Reactions Reflect Mixed Emotions Over the New Signing
Social media reactions to the Matt Gay Raiders signing have been polarized, with some fans expressing disappointment and others emphasizing the perceived value of Gay’s experience. Critics of the deal voiced strong opinions, with one fan stating,
“Good god what a terrible signing lol,”
and another adding, “This is a bad pick.” Doubts about Gay’s abilities also surfaced, highlighted by a comment that read,
“How does that dude keep getting chances? Hes AWFUL.”
Several supporters of Daniel Carlson expressed sadness over the decision to part ways, sharing remarks such as, “Odd move, Carlson is better,” and
“Damn. Im more sad to see Carlson go than I was Maxx.”
“The Raiders are signing veteran kicker Matt Gay, his agents @davidcanter and @NessMugrabi of @aurasportsgroup tell the Insiders,” Tom Pelissero, NFL Insider
“Good god what a terrible signing lol,” anonymous fan
“This is a bad pick,” anonymous fan
“How does that dude keep getting chances? Hes AWFUL,” anonymous fan
“Odd move, Carlson is better,” anonymous fan
“Damn. Im more sad to see Carlson go than I was Maxx,” anonymous fan
“That appears t o be the end of Daniel Carlson’s tenure with #Raiders. That would leave Kolton Miller and AJ Cole as the only remaining players from the Oakland era,” anonymous fan
“Las Vegas spent $270M rebuilding a roster in a single day and now they are locking in their kicker too… Matt Gay is one of the more reliable legs in the league and the Raiders are not leaving any position unchecked this offseason,” anonymous fan
Daniel Carlson’s Legacy and Impact with the Raiders
Daniel Carlson has been a key figure for the Raiders since 2018, after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the 167th overall pick. He secured a four-year, $18.4 million contract extension in 2021, underscoring the team’s confidence in his reliability. Over his eight NFL seasons, Carlson has appeared in 127 games, successfully converting 224 of 255 field goal attempts. Despite his accuracy, last season’s poor 3-14 team record added pressure on the Raiders to reassess their roster. Carlson’s departure would signify the loss of one of the last Oakland-era players still with the Raiders, leaving Kolton Miller and AJ Cole as the only remaining members from that period.
Reviewing Matt Gay’s Professional Journey
Matt Gay entered the NFL when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him 145th overall in 2019. During his rookie season, he made 27 of 35 field goal attempts. After a brief stint on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad in 2020, Gay joined the Los Angeles Rams, where he enjoyed his most notable success. Over three seasons with the Rams, he converted 74 of 80 field goals, contributing to the team’s victory in Super Bowl LVI during the 2021 season.
In 2023, Gay signed a four-year, $22.5 million contract with the Colts but was released in April. Shortly after, he joined the Washington Commanders, only to be released again in November. A brief tenure with the San Francisco 49ers followed, ending in December. His recent transitions have created uncertainty, but the Raiders’ decision to finalize the signing suggests confidence in his capabilities.
Implications for the Raiders’ Roster and Future
By securing Matt Gay, the Raiders demonstrate their intent to strengthen every position, following a reported $270 million expenditure on rebuilding the roster. This signing not only closes the chapter on Daniel Carlson’s significant stint with the team but also signals a new phase in the Raiders’ strategy to improve team performance in upcoming seasons. With Gay’s proven reliability and experience, including a Super Bowl title, the Raiders are addressing a key area in their lineup as they approach the 2026 season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this change impacts the team’s special teams unit and overall success.
The Raiders are signing veteran kicker Matt Gay, his agents @davidcanter and @NessMugrabi of @aurasportsgroup tell The Insiders. pic.twitter.com/jwr3QvveX1
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2026
