The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to terms with kicker Matt Gay on a free-agent deal, a move that effectively closes the door on Daniel Carlson’s return to the team. Carlson, the franchise’s second all-time leading scorer, is now expected to depart in free agency.

Gay, 31, connected on just 17 of 23 field-goal attempts last season while playing for the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders. His accuracy has declined since 2022, when he last made over 84% of his kicks. Despite a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and a Super Bowl ring, Gay has been inconsistent throughout his career.

The signing raises questions because Carlson was a popular locker-room presence and close with All-Pro punter AJ Cole. However, Gay’s history with new special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis—who coached him during his most productive seasons with the Rams in 2021 and 2022—likely influenced the decision.

General manager John Spytek’s move carries risk with limited upside, potentially putting the Raiders on the carousel of kickers that plagues many NFL teams. It’s possible the team views Gay as a placeholder and will add a rookie for competition, though signing him on the first day of free agency suggests otherwise.