Can Raiders’ new kicker deliver the long bomb?

CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 22: Place kicker Matt Gay #7 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before the preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on August 22, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One of the biggest storylines for the Las Vegas Raiders when training camp begins later this month will be the kicking battle between newly signed veteran Matt Gay and undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa.

The battle will play out in both training camp and in the three preseason games as they battle to replace Daniel Carlson. One key aspect of the battle will be which kicker will the most success while attempting long field goals. Kickers across the league are converting field-goal attempts of 55-plus yards at a rate never seen before as illustrated recently by former Raiders' employee Ryan Paganetti.

The NFL's long-FG environment has completely changed.

Made 55+ yard FGs by NFL season
Regular season + playoffs

2000: 1
2001: 3
2002: 2
2003: 4
2004: 3
2005: 5
2006: 3
2007: 4
2008: 8
2009: 6
2010: 11
2011: 13
2012: 17
2013: 12
2014: 15
2015: 14
2016: 15
2017: 26
2018: 27
2019:...

- Ryan Paganetti (@RyanPaganetti) June 30, 2026

Gay converted four of none attempts of 50 or more yards last season while with Washington and San Francisco. Carlson made five of eight from beyond 50 yards last season for the Raiders.

If Matsuzawa, nicknamed the Tokyo Toe, can show he can convert long field goals this summer, the job may be his.

In other Raiders' news:

• Most improved: NFL.com looks at the players who should improve the most in 2026.

• Ranking projected starting lineups: ESPN has the Raiders ranked at No. 27.