Raiders to release Kevin Burnett

The writing has been on the wall this off-season for Kevin Burnett. Now that writing is carved in stone. The Raiders are releasing the veteran linebacker after what Dennis Allen said was a failed conditioning test. But Allen confirmed what was suspected for some time now -- Burnett just didn't fit on the roster.

"I think with where we're at, at the linebacker position, with some young talented players, Miles Burris and Sio Moore, Kaluka Maiava, I think we feel good with that position, and we're going to move on from Kevin Burnett." Allen said Thursday.

The veteran linebacker had missed all of OTA's and minicamp with an unexpected ankle injury. Allen was asked about Burnett's absence for the first OTA, to which he said "He's healthy, he's just not here."

Burnett played at weakside linebacker last season with Sio Moore starting at on the strong side. When the team drafted Khalil Mack, they put him at strongside linebacker and moved Moore to the weak side. He was splitting time at that spot with Miles Burris. Those two are the future of the Raiders. They can also play special teams. Burnett is neither.

It's entirely possible Burnett's intentions were to be released so that he may find a team with a situation at linebacker more suitable for him, which would be a better chance to start and perhaps a better chance to win. If that's the case, this is a mutual separation.

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