With a new head coach in Josh McDaniels and a new general manager in Dave Ziegler, the Las Vegas Raiders are in the midst of building their roster in a way they feel most comfortable. This often means letting go of players who may not fit their style which can also help clear some salary cap room as well.
The Raiders have already restructured the deals of offensive tackle Kolton Miller and running back Kenyan Drake and now the team is making other moves ahead of the start of free agency as well.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Raiders are releasing linebacker Cory Littleton, who will be designated as a post-June 1 release:
Littleton expected to be a post-June-1 release – a productive 28-year-old entering LB market eventually. RT @JFowlerESPN: Raiders are releasing LB Cory Littleton, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 10, 2022
Littleton has been with the Raiders the last two seasons after spending his first four years with the Rams. He appeared in all 17 games last season, starting 13 after starting 14 games the prior year. Last season Littleton totaled 98 tackles, four passes defensed, and a fumble recovery. By designating him as a post-June 1 release it will save the Raiders $11.75 million on their salary cap while creating $4.012 million in dead cap.
But that wasn’t the only move the team has made as they also decided not to tender fullback and special teams captain Alec Ingold, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero:
A surprise: The #Raiders are not tendering fullback and team captain Alec Ingold, per source.
Ingold tore his ACL in Week 10, but is expected to be full go for training camp. Las Vegas isn’t closing the door on bringing him back. But he’ll be free to sign anywhere March 16.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2022
Until tearing his ACL in Week 10, Ingold had appeared in every game for the Raiders since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Ingold is expected to be ready to go once training camp begins and as Pelissero reported, the Raiders aren’t closing the door on a potential return, but he will be free to sign anywhere once free agency begins.
In three seasons with the Raiders Ingold caught 28 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns.
