Raiders to release former third round pick Clive Walford

Once highly thought of by the Raiders organization, former third round pick Clive Walford is set to be released as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and confirmed by others.

Over three years in Oakland, the former Miami standout struggled with several injuries and ultimately was buried on the depth chart. He finished with just 70 catches for 768 yards and 6 touchdowns 44 appearances. And he never quite lived up to his billing as a do-it-all tight end.

The team signed journeyman tight end Derek Carrier this offseason as a blocking tight end with good hands as a former wide receiver. That meant the team would look to trim the tight end roster, so it was either last year’s free agent addition Jared Cook or Walford. Cook was the team’s leading receiver last season (688 yards), so it didn’t make much sense to let him go.

Walford’s release clears about $2 million in cap space.