11th Hour Conflict: Raiders and Janikowski At Odds Over Contract

For Reggie McKenzie, the last three days probably seem like any other weekend before the start of a season. Yet, fans and media alike seem to question every Raiders move with utmost scrutiny. When the Raiders take the field Sunday in Tennessee, their general manager will stand in the background. While his assembled roster plays, the confusion, ire and puzzlement should fade from McKenzie. However, there’s one Raider that captures the hearts and minds of RaiderNation. At the writing, Janikowski’s status appears up in the air. McKenzie and the Raiders will address this issue soon enough.

The Issue

Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski and the team appear at an impasse. Oakland wants him to take a pay cut. Conversely, Janikowski declined initial attempts to re-work his deal. As the regular season rapidly approaches, the situation becomes problematic. On one side, Janikowski, a Raiders lifer does not want less money. Reggie McKenzie and management see this differently.

Leverage

To begin with, Janikowski has no bargaining power to work with. At 39 years old, time isn’t on his side. Not to mention, his four million dollar salary does him no favors. Under those circumstances, Reggie McKenzie owns the hammer in this situation. Unfortunately for Janikowski, he portrays the nail in this scenario. Plus, there are a flood of unemployed kickers, always looking to catch on to a new franchise. Janikowski isn’t a star quarterback or cornerback. In the eyes of many general managers, kickers remain disposable. Especially older ones that make millions, where cheaper, equally effective ones exist.

Plus, reports of an ailing back could derail Janikowski’s attempt to play in Week One anyway. Under those circumstances, a 39-year-old kicker with a dodgy back does not seem positive or a strength of power when negotiating.

Truthfully, Janikowski owns sentimentality, which isn’t enough to justify his position. RaiderNation adores him. Few players evolved from wild partier to respected veteran. After nearly two decades in Oakland, the Polish Cannon may run out of ammunition.

Fan Reaction

Although many fans stand firmly behind Janikowski, an interesting trend formed. On social media, fans began to question each other about hypocrisy. In other words, some remember the backlash surrounding Donald Penn. Many felt that he should honor a signed contract. Yet, many of those fans blasted the Raiders for asking Janikowski to take less money.