Adam Schefter reports that the Raiders informed kicker Sebastian Janikowski today that they do not plan to bring him back for the 2018 season.
Here’s a statement from Raiders owner Mark Davis:
“The Raider Nation salutes Sebastian Janikowski as the sun sets on his illustrious career with the Oakland Raiders. He joined the team as a surprise first-round pick in the 2000 Draft and finishes his time in Oakland as one of the greatest or perhaps the greatest kicker in pro football history. His powerful left leg produced an NFL-record 55 field goals of 50-or-more yards. The motto ‘Once a Raider, Always a Raider’ has never been more true as his 18-year career makes him the longest-tenured player in Raiders history. Sebastian, his wife, Lori, and their three children will always be a loved and treasured part of the Raiders family.”
Janikowski, unfortunately, missed the entire 2017 season with a back injury that led to him being placed on injured reserve.
The Raiders will likely move forward with Giorgio Tavecchio as their place kicker.
Janikowski, 39, is a former first-round pick of the Raiders back in 2000. He’s currently in the final year of his five-year, $18.9 million contract that included $8 million guaranteed and set to make a base salary of $4.05 million for the 2017 season when he restructured his contract last week.
Janikowski agreed to a $1 million pay cut last year and made a $3 million fully guaranteed salary. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent next month.
In 2016, Janikowski appeared in all 16 games for the Raiders and converted 29 of 35 field goal attempts (82.9 percent) to go along with 37 of 39 field goal tries (94.9 percent) and 43 touchbacks.
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