Source: Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders at impasse over contract

ByAdam Schefter ESPN logo
Wednesday, September 6, 2017

The Oakland Raiders and place-kicker Sebastian Janikowski, who has played more games (268) for the team than any player in franchise history, are in a contractual standoff that could dictate whether the two sides spend this season together.



Oakland has asked Janikowski, 39, to rework his contract, which calls for him to make $4 million in the final season of his deal, according to a source familiar with the situation. Janikowski so far has declined.



The issue could have been resolved as early as Tuesday, if Janikowski had accepted a reworked deal or if Oakland had moved on to a new kicker.



Janikowski was guaranteed his Week 1 salary by being on the roster on Tuesday. He will be guaranteed his full $4.05 million salary for 2017 if he is on the roster on Saturday.



Complicating matters is the fact that Janikowski missed the final two preseason games with a back injury, and the team is uncertain whether he will be able to kick in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans.



With Janikowski's salary high and the status of his back uncertain, it has put both sides in a difficult position as they stare at the prospect of the rest of his salary becoming guaranteed on Saturday.



Mike Nugent, Josh Lambo and Marshall Koehn all worked out for the Raiders on Monday, a source told ESPN's Field Yates. All three kickers lost position battles over the weekend.



Janikowski and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady are tied for the NFL's longest tenure with their current teams, having both entered the league in 2000.



Janikowski has played 268 NFL games, tied with Lou Groza and Junior Seau for 23rd in NFL history.



Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Copyright © 2024 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.