Raiders release Tyvon Branch

Coming into the offseason, the Raiders had a decision to make with regard to Tyvon Branch. He was coming off two-straight seasons in which he was placed on injured reserve and was to be a $9.7 million salary cap hit this coming season. And Thursday, that decision has been made -- Tyvon Branch has been cut.

Not long after the Jason La Canfora first reported the news, Branch said his goodbyes

It was a blessing to play for the raiders wearing that shield was special to me... Thanks to the Davis family for giving me a chance!

— Tyvon Branch (@tyvonbranch) February 27, 2015

Cutting Branch doesn't actually save the Raiders much on this year's cap. He leaves behind $6.7 million in dead money for a total cap savings this year of about $3 million.

After becoming the Raiders' fourth round pick in the 2008 draft, Branch spent 7 seasons in Oakland. He took over as the full time starter in his second season and never looked back. Prior to the past couple seasons, he was a mainstay on the defense, missing just two starts over the four previous seasons. He led the team in tackles nearly every one of those seasons.

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