The remodeling of the Raiders under new GM Reggie McKenzie continued Thursday with the release of one of the club's priciest players.
CB Stanford Routt, who signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal almost exactly one year ago, is now looking for work.
Routt was one of several players -- DL Richard Seymour, LB Kamerion Wimbley and S Michael Huff were among the others -- whom late owner Al Davis rewarded handsomely prior to the 2011 season with new contracts. Davis kept those players at the expense of retaining all-pro CB Nnamdi Asomugha.
But the investments produced little return as Oakland allowed the fourth-most points and yards in the league last season. The team surrendered more than 2,000 yards on the ground and more than 4,000 through the air.
Routt, who's never been an all-pro or Pro Bowler in his seven-year career, picked off four passes and made 49 tackles in 2011, but by most accounts is nowhere near the caliber of player Asomugha is.
By Nate Davis
USA Today