Oakland Raiders: Predicting the next pieces to fall in offseason of change

The Wrap-Up

With some big needs to fill on the roster, and not a lot of money to work with, the Raiders are going to have to be aggressive in managing their cap figures. And that is likely going to entail parting ways with some players to up the team’s cap number.

If the team opts to part with these five players – Smith, Irvin, Patterson, Cook, and Lynch – the immediate savings will be close to $30 million dollars. That will bring their total room under the cap over $50 million – which will give them a lot more flexibility and options to play with.

Though some expect to see wide receiver Michael Crabtree and his $8 million dollar salary gone as well, it’s quite possible the team retains him. Given his production over his three seasons with Oakland – 2,543 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, his $8 million dollar slaary is a bargain, all things considered.

Plus, Derek Carr has become increasingly vocal about the team retaining him, so it’s very possible they throw their franchise quarterback a bone and let him keep his favorite target.

That will mean cuts need to be made elsewhere though – which is why the aforementioned five are very likely up on the block.

The team needs to re-sign NaVorro Bowman, among other holes they must fill, and they’re going to need maximum flexibility to do it. To upgrade this team in the positions it needs upgrading the most.

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From a cost standpoint, cutting these five makes the most sense as the production can, for the most part, be replaced with younger, cheaper players.

The dominoes are already starting to fall and change is coming fast and furious. And given the need for cap space coupled with underwhelming production, it won’t be surprising to see these five wind up getting their walking papers before all is said and done.