ORLANDO, Fla. – The Raiders had too many tight ends on the roster. They had three under contract, then added Derek Carrier and re-signed Lee Smith.
Something had to give, especially with salary-cap space running low.
The Silver and Black chose to cut 2015 third-round pick Clive Walford, ESPN reported on Tuesday afternoon, and got some extra money to spend in other places.
They clear $1.9 million in salary cap space which may be enough to help a position of need. The Raiders still hope to re-sign middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who remains on the free-agent market. The Raiders have spoken to his agent at the NFL owners meetings, but still haven't announced a pact. The extra money may be enough to get it done. Time will tell on that front.
The Raiders could've saved more than $5 million by axing Jared Cook, though he's a superior player to Walford at this stage. Cook led the Raiders with 688 receiving yards and offers a pass-catching element unique to the team's tight end group.
Gruden called Cook "a great receiving tight end" on Tuesday, just hours before news of Walford's release.
Walford had nine catches for 80 yards in 13 games played last season. He ended 2017 on injured reserve with concussion-like symptoms and a neck strain.
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The Miami product has vast potential as a blocker and receiver, but struggled to gain steady playing time. He was bothered by injuries as a rookie, and had to recover from a knee injury caused by an ATV accident before his second season.
Walford is healthy and should have a market for his services.
Guard Jon Feliciano, fellow Miami alum and member of the Raiders 2015 draft class, said Walford asked for his release from the team.
After 8 years grinding with my dog @OGSlick_46 he moving on to bigger and better things.. he ASKED to be released so he can go ball out! Ain't no doubt my dog about to go off! Go get paid bro! #familyovereverything— Jonathan Feliciano (@MongoFeliciano) March 27, 2018
