Raiders release LB Curtis Lofton after one season

In a move that had been expected for some time now, the Raiders have officially released linebacker Curtis Lofton. The veteran middle linebacker was signed this time last year to a 3-year free agent deal after he had been cut by the Saints. He lost his starting job midway through the season and was due to make $5.5 million this coming season.

The 8-year NFL veteran leaves the Raiders having started nine games in 2015, totaling 80 tackles (53 solo), one sack and one fumble recovery.

It was thought initially that he would need to have been cut by three days after the Super Bowl to keep $3.5 million his $5.35 million 2016 base salary is fully guaranteed. It's more likely that was actually meant to be three days into the new league year, which is today.

Going by the initial contract details according to overthecap.com, he leaves $3.5 million in dead money behind.

The Raiders had $28 million to spend under the cap, now look to have about $30 million.

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