The Oakland Raiders are making some changes as Jon Gruden settles into his second stint with the storied NFL franchise. One of those changes is parting ways with a player that Gruden drafted by in 2000, Sebastian Janikowski.
After 18 seasons with the Raiders, Janikowski will be released and apparently has no intention of calling it a career, via Michael Gehklin of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Janikowski, who turns 40 on March 2, said he’s not done yet.
“He plans on getting another job,” Healy said in a phone interview. “Unfortunately, he had this back issue. He’s healthy now, and he’s ready to go.”
Janikowski one of many veterans on the team that could be released during the NFL offseason. Joining Janikowski in free agency is cornerback David Amerson and he might not be the only one with speculation surrounding the immediate futures of a few big-name players on the Raiders current roster.
Marshawn Lynch, Sean Smith, Michael Crabtree, and Bruce Irvin may also be looking for a job ahead of the 2018 NFL season. Gruden and the Raiders brass are cleaning house with only a few players assured starting roles or at the very least, a roster spot for the 2018 campaign.
As for Janikowski, veteran kickers can play well into their 40s in the NFL as long as they remain productive. There's a good chance another team in the league gives him a shot to extend his career, but no teams have yet emerged with interest in the 18-year veteran.
Last year, Janikowski missed the entire season due to a back issue paving the way for Giorgio Tavecchio to take over as the starter. Tavecchio played well enough to potentially secure his future with the team.
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