The Raiders released cornerback David Amerson on Monday afternoon, the first day they could, the team announced on Monday.
We have released CB David Amerson.
More: https://t.co/rkxB5NDJR9 pic.twitter.com/Fu4Pcja4Fr— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) February 5, 2018
There was a time element to this one. Amerson's $5.5 million base salary would've been fully guaranteed on Wednesday, per ESPN, prompting the Raiders to bring a swift axe.
The transaction creates $6 million in salary cap space, and Amerson won't be the only veteran cut in Jon Gruden's return as Raiders head coach. The Silver and Black have tremendous roster flexibility, able to cut several veterans without a salary cap hit. That's possible with their preferred contract structure, paying significant funds up front on pacts that become pay-as-you-go deals.
[READ: Which Raiders might not survive 2018 offseason?]
Amerson signed a four-year contract extension in July 2016 worth up to $33.9 million. He earned $12.7 million over the last two seasons, including $8.6 million in a 2017 campaign marred by injury.
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He missed a game due to a concussion, and the final nine with a foot injury that never got right.
The Raiders pulled Amerson off the scrap. General manager Reggie McKenzie claimed him off waivers early in the 2015 season, where his career found new life after Washington cut him.
He had four interceptions and 27 passes defensed that season. He had two picks and 14 pass breakups in 15 starts the following year.
ESPN first reported the news.
