Raiders announce Boss' release

Share

The Raiders announced they have officially released tight end Kevin Boss, saving the team 4 million in "real money" in 2012 while giving Oakland 2.5 million in salary cap relief.According to documents obtained by CSNCalifornia.com, Boss was to earn a base salary of 2 million with a roster bonus of 2 million due within the week. With the release, Boss' cap number was reduced from 4.75 million to 2.25 million.Earlier in the day, Boss' agent Scott Smith Tweeted that his client would be released on Wednesday.Boss, who signed a four-year, 16-million free-agent contract last summer to replace Zach Miller, endured an injury-filled season with the Raiders. He suffered a knee injury in the exhibition game at the 49ers on Aug. 20 and missed the first two regular season games. Boss then suffered a concussion against Kansas City on Oct. 23 and missed a game before getting knocked out of the season finale against San Diego with another concussion after catching a 22-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer.Yet even with the injuries, many thought Boss was not used properly by then-coach Hue Jackson.In 13 games, Boss caught 28 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns, his worst statistical season since his rookie year.The Raiders still have three tight ends on the roster in Brandon Myers, David Ausberry and Richard Gordon.Boss joins cornerbacks Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson and safety Hiram Eugene as cut Raiders. Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley could also be on the chopping block -- 17.5 million in salary through 2014 becomes guaranteed on Saturday -- as well as defensive tackle John Henderson, who has a cap number of 4.75 million.The Raiders restructured contracts with quarterback Carson Palmer, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, free safety Michael Huff and linebacker Aaron Curry to help them get in cap compliance -- the salary cap for 2012 is 120.6 million, slightly more than the 120.375 million cap of 20111 -- before Tuesday's 1 p.m. PT deadline.Plus, Oakland has also utilized its purported 6.2-million franchise tag on strong safety Tyvon Branch while announcing Monday it had made one-year contract tenders to restricted free agent defensive lineman Desmond Bryant and to three exclusive rights free agents in defensive end Mason Brodine, cornerbackkick returner Bryan McCann and fullback Marcel Reece.The price tag for the tenders is not known but with the Boss move now official, the Raiders should be 6.063.766 million under the capbefore factoring in the four tenders to Bryant, Brodine, McCann and Reece, which would eat up some cap space.With some wiggle room, the Raiders should now be able to get into the NFL's free agent frenzy, albeit in a smart manner.

Contact Us