There's no guaranteed money, no dead money against the NFL salary cap should the Raiders chose to part ways with Michael Crabtree, David Amerson, Sean Smith, Bruce Irvin, Marshawn Lynch and several other high-priced played under contract for 2018.
The Raiders have been smart with their contract structure in recent years, working out frontloaded deals with early roster bonuses that become pay-as-you-go deals down the line.
That creates team flexibility, and makes it easier to ditch underperformers without stress.
Watching every snap this season, covering general manager Reggie McKenzie the past five years and head coach Jack Del Rio the last three provided insight into which incumbents were on the way out.
Jon Gruden changes all that. The presumptive head coach following Del Rio's ouster will have his own thoughts on guys who stay and go. They might be the only ones that matter.
It remains uncertain how much power Gruden will wield – we'll dive more into that question in a future post – though it could be significant enough that the organizational structure will change. He might have final say over McKenzie, or at least be on equal footing in terms of signings, draft picks and roster decisions.
One guarantee: Gruden's influence will be felt on personnel and the Raiders' once and future coach could have different views on certain players.
Sports
Certain players might want to send Gruden a homecoming gift after a formal announcement.
Here are some players who might be on the chopping block:
WR Michael Crabtree ($7 million base salary): The veteran receiver barely played down the stretch of the season's final two games. It wasn't injury related. Del Rio used the phrase "missed opportunities" before the season finale – and cited a phantom hamstring injury -- for why the receiver corps' elder statesman was phased out.
Odds seemed solid Crabtree played his last game as a Raider, though Gruden could change all that. Crabtree had a strong start to the year but faded down the stretch, and his drop volume belied his reputation for solid hands.
RB Marshawn Lynch ($4 million base salary; $1.75 million in roster bonuses): There are two influences on whether Lynch returns. The man himself didn't miss football during his year in retirement, and could easily step away again. There are some questions about whether Lynch and Gruden would mesh. The physical runner proved he can still produce at age 31, but there were questions about his influence on the locker room and him seemingly to have his own set of rules under Del Rio. That might not play under Gruden's roof.
CB Sean Smith ($8.25 million base salary): This seemed like an easy decision near midseason. Smith had fallen out of favor and lost his starting spot. Injury handed it back, and Smith played far better under late-season play caller John Pagano. He was matched up with bigger receivers – Smith has always been vulnerable to speed – and finished the season strong. His salary is high given his limitations, and there's a legal issue to handle. Smith will be tried on felony assault and batter charters this winter, with the possibility of jail time in his future. That might make him an easy cut, either way.
CB David Amerson ($5.5 million base salary): Amerson missed nine straight games with a foot injury and dealt with shoulder and concussions in the season's first half. He was productive in his first two seasons as a Raiders, but fell off some last year even when healthy. He's young and has quality ball skills. He could be kept and start opposite Gareon Conley, even if the Raiders continue to add cornerbacks.
Other free cuts who should be safe in 2017: LG Kelechi Osemele, LB Bruce Irvin, C Rodney Hudson, TE Jared Cook
