In a surprising move given the financial implications, the Las Vegas Raiders reportedly plan to release running back Kenyan Drake and take a $3.6 million salary-cap hit this year, as well as a $4.4 million hit in 2023.
The news was first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The #Raiders plan to release veteran RB Kenyan Drake, per source. pic.twitter.com/4qFTc9ogbX
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 22, 2022
The 28-year-old Drake was back in camp after recovering from a broken right ankle suffered late last season. He had played in three Raiders preseason games, rushing for 30 yards on 12 carries and catching five passes for 27 yards.
“I feel great,” Drake told ESPN after the August 14 preseason game. “Mentally, I feel like I’m getting the plays down the more I’m out there in game reps, practice reps. And then physically, I’m just kind of getting out there and getting hit after my injury. I just feel real confident about the strides I’m taking.”
Drake initially signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Raiders last year as a free agent. However, that was under the previous regime of GM Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden.
The move means more space for everyone in the crowded running back room for the Raiders, which includes former Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs, veteran Brandon Bolden, fourth-round draft pick Zamir White, seventh-round pick Brittain Brown, veteran Ameer Abdullah, veteran Austin Walter, and fullback Jakob Johnson.
While the Raiders sort out their running back depth chart before the 80-man roster is due on Tuesday, the NFL world had some reactions to the news of Drake’s impending release.
Makes the RB room a little clearer, but still a fight for the last spot or 2. https://t.co/R2oWaUwd2h
— Jason Horowitz (@HorowitzJason) August 22, 2022
Worth noting this is not a bump for Josh Jacobs.
Fully expecting Ameer Abdullah and/or Brandon Bolden to play the "James White role" for Josh McDaniels. And Jacobs still needs to hold off Zamir White on early downs. https://t.co/ECWkb1BeIn
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) August 22, 2022
Translation: "send us your trade offers" https://t.co/AJtvGXrf0v
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) August 22, 2022
Still have Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden as capable rec RBs https://t.co/GS9Rp6d62M
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 22, 2022
Can't say this didn't seem like it was coming with how much he played in the game this weekend.
And how he didn't exactly distinguish himself. https://t.co/igz0Q2NwMq
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) August 22, 2022
Bad contract, but that won't be an object now. Drake can help some teams that need RB depth. The Giants and Panthers come to mind. https://t.co/bqVwS9nqdJ
— Joe Dolan (@FG_Dolan) August 22, 2022
