With free agency a couple of weeks away, it’s time to check in on the Raiders’ specialists positions to give them a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.
Returning starters: K Daniel Carlson, P AJ Cole, LS Trent Sieg
Backups: None
Free agents: None
If you are looking for a better kick squad trio than these guys, you won’t find it. Carlson was clutch all season long, particularly in the team’s late-season push for the playoffs. He was 40 for 43 on his field goals (93%). That included going six for seven from outside 50 yards.
Cole was an All-Pro as the only punter in the NFL to average over 50 yards per punt. Only one Raiders player ever finished a season averaging over 50 yards per punt. That was Shane Lechler. And he did it just twice in his illustrious career.
Sieg was the dependable long snapper putting the ball right in Cole’s steady hands either for the field goal, extra point, or punt.
Condition: Strong
Carlson and Cole both signed lucrative long-term deals late this season, ensuring they’ll be in Silver & Black for a long time to come. The Raiders appear to have really struck gold (or silver). Especially after going six years with the trio of Seabass/Lechler/Condo.
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