Sebastian Janikowski Won't Return to Raiders After 18 Seasons, Hits Free Agency

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After missing all of last season with an injured back, kicker Sebastian Janikowski's time with the Oakland Raiders has come to an end after 18 seasons. 

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Raiders told Janikowski he won't return to the team next season. 

Janikowski has spent his entire career with the Oakland Raiders to this point. The 39-year-old will become a free agent this offseason. Giorgio Tavecchio went 16-of-21 on field-goal attempts for the Raiders in 2017. 

During his time with the Raiders, Janikowski was one of the best kickers in the NFL. He trailed only Adam Vinatieri of the Indianapolis Colts and Phil Dawson of the Arizona Cardinals among active players in career points with 1,799. 

The Raiders famously made Janikowski a first-round pick out of Florida State in 2000.  He remains the third-highest drafted kicker in NFL history at No. 17 overall, behind Charlie Gogolak (No. 6 in 1966) and Steve Little (No. 15 in 1978). 

Janikowski is known for his powerful leg that made him the only kicker with multiple made field goals of at least 60 yards. He also holds the NFL record for most 50-yard field goals made, breaking the previous record of 52 held by Jason Hanson during a 2016 game against the Tennessee Titans. 

Given his extensive resume, Janikowski should generate interest from teams in search of an upgrade at kicker. He will have to prove his back injury is healed well enough for him to still tap into that power in his leg, but the potential upside remains high based on what he's done throughout his career.    

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