Breaking: Raiders release Jordy Nelson

In a bit of a surprising move, the Raiders have parted ways with wide receiver Jordy Nelson less than a year since he joined the team.

Nelson signed a 2-year deal with the team last offseason after being cut by the Packers. He went on to lead Raiders wide receivers with 63 catches for 739 yards and 3 touchdowns, much of which came later in the season. He will turn 34 in May.

His release saves the team $3.57 million on the cap. However, this move is still a bit of a surprise because late last season they gave him his $4.1 million 2019 bonus ahead of time. A vote of confidence they planned on keeping him.

It seems the surprise acquisition of Antonio Brown and his $15 million 2019 cap hit that may be the catalyst for this. And then the signing of Tyrell Williams as well who will average $11 million per season on his 4-year deal.

It meant they were spending money at a position they didn’t expect to spend and now they must cut others to clear up room to bring in more defense. Seth Roberts seemed like the logical first choice being that he carries a cap hit of $4.65 million with no dead money if cut. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that he could be released as well, but there’s no word of that yet.