End of Sebastian Janikowski's NFL Career?

It looks like the long-time marriage between the Raiders and Sebastian Janikowski is coming to an end, and it could be the break that could also mean the end of the kicker's career. So we think, anyway.

The Raiders informed Janikowski on Thursday that he will not be resigned for the 2018 season and thus will become a free agent.

Team owner Mark Davis said about Janikowski, "The Raider Nation salutes Sebastian Janikowski as the sun sets on his illustrious career with the Oakland Raiders...'Once a Raider, Always a Raider' has never been more true as his 18-year career makes him the longest-tenured player in Raiders history."

Janikowski spent an astounding 18-year career with the Raiders and he is the longest tenured Raider in their history. He was the 17th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. Oh, by the way, Tom Brady was part of that same draft and has more rings than Janikowski.

This move was not surprising to me and to many others as well. Janikowski did spend most of the season on injured reserve, having dealt with a back issue. It now looks like his 27-year-old replacement Giorgio Tavecchio nailed 16 of 21 field goals this season and 33 of 34 extra points during his tenure in Oakland so far.

If indeed Janikowski doesn't retire, and he has said through his agent he doesn't want to, it's going to be hard to see him in another uniform, as will most Raider fans. Look, Janikowski understandably wants to play, and he wants to show that he still has some kick left in him. Thing is, he's 39 years old. That's pretty sneaky old for a kicker. Second thing is, he is coming back from a back injury. Back injuries, especially at that age, are usually the endgame for kickers, and it won't surprise me if it happens to Jano as well. Another team may take a shot at it and see what he can do, but I think it's time for him to realize that this is probably the end of the road for him and that he should be thinking about his future and what he wants to do with his life after football.

I feel bad for Raiders fans, especially my friend and colleague at Sports Al Dente Danny Rendon, for losing such a majestic player and a great Oakland Raider. We knew, however, it was probably going to be the end for him in the black and silver after this season. To that end I say, farewell Sebastian Janikowski and thanks for giving Raider Nation some of the best kicks ever. Good luck in your future endeavors, wherever that may be!