Sebastian Janikowski is the all-time leading scorer in Oakland Raiders franchise history, but — as we have heard so many times in the past — the NFL is a business. As such, the 38-year-old veteran’s job is not guaranteed heading into the 2016 season.
The Raiders have brought in former Cal kicked Giorgio Tavecchio for training camp. While Tavecchio has never attempted a kick in a regular season NFL game, Oakland special teams coach Brad Seely says his presence is more than just a formality.
“I think it’s just like every other position on our football team: We’re trying to create competition, and Giorgio is that. He’s an NFL kicker,” Seely said over the weekend, per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com. “Will he kick for us? Well, that remains to be seen, but it’s a competition, and we’re seeing who’s the best.”
Seely acknowledged that Janikowski is the favorite to kick for the Raiders for a 17th season, but Oakland could certainly save some money by going in another direction. Janikowski is signed through 2017 and will make $3.6 million this season and roughly $4 million next year. However, he has dropped 14 pounds this offseason and is not going to give up his job without a fight.
“That’s my job,” Janikowski said. “I have to come in, get in good shape and kick the ball. I mean, I worked my butt off in the offseason, and I tried to get in better shape. Hopefully it’s going to pay off.”
As Gutierrez notes, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio called upon Janikowski to attempt only 26 field goals last year, which was the fourth-fewest of his career. The former first-round pick converted 80.8 percent of the kicks after making 86.4 percent the year before.
Is Seabass being phased out? It seems doubtful, as a reliable kicker is a valuable asset in the NFL. Heck, look at the contract demands one of Janikowski’s fellow kickers is making. That said, nothing lasts forever. It wouldn’t exactly be a shock if a 38-year-old kicker was let go.
