Just a season after Raiders tight end Kevin Boss signed a four-year, $16 million contract, the team will be releasing him according to Jason LaCanfora of NFL.com Unlike several other cuts that have occurred in recent days, this release was not expected. So much for the Raiders being set at tight end.

Boss was due to make $4 million this season with a $2 million base and a $2 million roster bonus was going to be added on by the end of this week. His release saves the team an additional $2.5 million off of their salary cap.

His production last season was underwhelming as he caught just 28 passes for 368 yards and it seemed as if he just wasn't in the game plan. In addition, Carson Palmer has been talking up second year tight end David Ausberry of late and it seems the two have good chemistry building.

Boss's departure leaves the Raiders with a vacancy to fill at tight end. Outside of Ausberry, the team has just Brandon Myers and Richard Gordon on the team with Gordon having spent much of last season working at fullback.

With the $2.5 saved on the cutting of Boss, the Raiders currently sit at $4 million under the salary cap.

Also see: Raiders free agent wish list: Tight end.

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