Raiders Release Former First-Round Safety

It's no secret that the drafting process during the times of Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden in Las Vegas were less than stellar to say the least, and now, just two players drafted in the first-round remain on the roster from the 2019-2021 draft classes in Clelin Ferrell and Josh Jacobs, both of whom had their fifth-year options declined by the organization. 

A surprise: The #Raiders are releasing former first-round pick safety Johnathan Abram, per source. pic.twitter.com/E8BjfpRvhT

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 8, 2022

This has come about because today, the Raiders officially released their former first-round safety Johnathan Abram, who they unsuccessfully shopped at the NFL Trade Deadline a week ago, meaning that he will now go to waivers carrying a potential $1 million cap hit for the rest of the season. In his 3.5 seasons at the NFL level, Abram has been solid, but never took the next step the Raiders were searching for, but over that time, he has racked up 248 tackles, 3 interceptions, 12 passes defended and 2 fumble recoveries, a solid starter for this team.

Now, he is gone, and the Raiders, following yet another breakdown are yet to figure out who their team is with an identity, and until they can draft better and use their free agent money well, this is a team that's going to continue sitting in NFL purgatory. 

Photo Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK