Raiders release DB LeQuan Lewis; clearing space for free agent signing?

[Raider Ran]

The Speculation starts

The Oakland Raiders have released defensive back LeQuan Lewis who the team had signed as an undrafted free agent this offseason. Lewis played cornerback at Arizona State and since being signed to the team, he hadn't stood out in OTA's or mini camps. His release could indicate the team is clearing space for a free agent signing.

The Raiders recently showed interest in veteran free agent running back Cedric Benson and there some unconfirmed reports that had him visiting the Raiders facility this week. The Raiders timeline for signing free agents this offseason has typically been a couple days, although, that isn't always the case.

The last free agent the team brought in was tight end Tory Humphrey of whom they signed three weeks after he had worked out for the team.

The Raiders have been carrying 89 players all offseason despite the fact that they are allowed 90. When they signed Humphrey, they first released fullback Treshaun Robinson to make room. We have yet to discover what the reason for the team carrying one fewer player than allowed under current rules.

Raiders release DB LeQuan Lewis; clearing space for free agent signing? - Silver And Black Pride

[Artois]

Obviously making room for Percy Harvin.

[Raider Ran]

Obviously making room for Percy Harvin.

[huggeebear]

Ran, you're normally the one with the inside scoop. What do you think?

[djh_raider]

The Raiders would have to sign Tyvon Branch to a long-term deal to free up space to sign Benson.....

[Raider Ran]

Ran, you're normally the one with the inside scoop. What do you think?

I have no inside to this but if I had to make a guess I would say he will be signed by next weekend. I think we have until July 16th to sign Tyvon to a long term. If Benson can be sign to a vet minimum contract we might have the cash. I believe that T Kelly contract could be massaged a bit too if necesscary.

[Raider Ran]

The Raiders would have to sign Tyvon Branch to a long-term deal to free up space to sign Benson.....

Have you seen a recent number? I know it is 1 Million or under. We also have not signed all of our rookie draft picks.

[MileHighRaider]

Hahahahhaha Artois!!

DJH, just what I've been thinking though it's possible a deal is done and not announced. Not sure why we'd pull that stunt unless it's a bargaining chip with Benson though

The 89 thing is puzzling... are we holding a place "in case" that perfect addition is cut by some team and we have to move fast? Is there a gentlemans agreement with somebody that can't be put to paper due to cap constraints? Is it just that Reggie doesn't fill the cup to the brim because he doesn't want to spill the water? Or is it that we just don't see anybody else worth signing and paying for, and this guy just got cut because he didn't cut it?

Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one... (edit) some guy with a razor said that (paraphrased) so I should probably give him credit! (/edit)

[dan-the-raiders]

Is there any word on the lawsuit over the salary cap collusion? Dallas and Washington were making a stink and if successful in getting the penalty overturned the Raiders would benefit about 1.5 million no?

[oaklandheat]

Thanks Ran. Hopefully get Benson under contract soon

[Chewy316]

I'm pretty sure that the cap applies only to the top 51 salaries on the team (correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure it's something like that). Lewis would've been on the rookie minimum. This won't affect any cap space.

[Raider Ran]

Thanks Ran. Hopefully get Benson under contract soon

Did you get my text?

[Raider Ran]

I'm pretty sure that the cap applies only to the top 51 salaries on the team (correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure it's something like that). Lewis would've been on the rookie minimum. This won't affect any cap space.

Your 100% correct 51 until opening day. No cap effect.

[LINQ]

Obviously to make room for the comeback of JaMarcus Russell.

[Rainman56]

Obviously to make room for the comeback of JaMarcus Russell.

He,d take up 5 roster spots