NFL free agency is in full swing and the Las Vegas Raiders have been making some big moves already. But the team isn’t just bringing in new players but also letting go of some of those who don’t fit the future of the franchise. Two names that have been mentioned regularly as likely cuts are quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow.
Renfrow was a Pro Bowler for the Raiders just a couple of seasons ago but never quite fit in once Josh McDaniels took over as head coach. Even the change to Antonio Pierce didn’t yield a bigger role. Garoppolo, meanwhile, was benched midway through the season as the Raiders went with rookie Aidan O’Connell under center.
While neither move is a surprising one, they will soon become official as the Raiders will release both Renfrow and Garoppolo today, saving themselves nearly $20 million in salary cap space via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk:
With the start of the league year, the Raiders are getting rid of two of their most expensive players.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow will get cut today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Today is also the day the Raiders are expected to officially release quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, whose departure has been coming since he was benched last season.
The Raiders will save a little over $11 million in salary cap space by cutting Garoppolo and a little over $8 million by cutting Renfrow.
With rookie Tre Tucker emerging late in the season behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, Renfrow became even more expendable, and his release was a foregone conclusion. Still only 28 years old, Renfrow should have plenty left in the tank and can be an impact player if put in the right situation.
What’s next for Garoppolo will be interesting to see. The 32-year-old would be an ideal backup candidate for several teams, but his injury history remains concerning. Nonetheless, the Raiders have made the necessary moves to put themselves in a position to continue to be big players during the offseason.
Raiders sign QB Gardner Minshew to a two-year deal
In terms of the quarterback position, the Raiders have already added a veteran at the position as the team agreed to a two-year, $25 million deal with Gardner Minshew II.
Minshew spent last season with the Indianapolis Colts and had a strong year, starting 13 games and throwing for 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns. He and O’Connell will likely battle for the starting job, though the Raiders could still add another quarterback in the draft.
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