The 2017 offseason has steadily progressed for the Oakland Raiders, with all sights set towards the beginning of the offseason workouts and training programs for the Raiders. General manager Reggie McKenzie, in coordination with the front office, has worked towards finalizing some additions, re-signing Raiders and departing with some difficult situations.
With every NFL offseason there comes a point where certain teams have to ponder whether it is in the best interest to keep certain players and contract obligations on the roster. On Tuesday, the Raiders decided to cut veteran defensive tackle Dan Williams, via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
Transactions: #Patriots CB Malcolm Butler has signed his RFA tender. The #Raiders have released DT Dan Williams.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 18, 2017
Williams originally signed a four-year $25 million deal prior to the 2015 season, earning roughly $15.5 million after his first two seasons. The Raiders decided to forgo the remaining $10 million with the decision, with his production falling during the 2016 season.
The seven-year veteran appeared in all 16 games last season, making 11 starts. During the season, he accumulated 11 tackles (six assisted), a pass defended and 0.5 sacks. To compare, Williams totaled 33 (15 assisted) tackles in 2015 (16 games-15 starts), along with one sack, one fumble recovery and a pass defended.
Williams is now free to entertain different offers from around the NFL, with experience on the defensive line that many coaches would welcome. Williams spent the first five seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Raiders.
