The Las Vegas Raiders made significant roster moves at the start of the new league year by releasing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, receiver Hunter Renfrow, backup quarterback Brian Hoyer, and defensive tackle Jerry Tillery. These decisions were made to provide the team's new leadership with more flexibility under the salary cap.
Garoppolo, who was signed to a three-year, $72.75 million contract last offseason, failed to meet expectations after being benched midway through last season. His contract had to be reworked due to a foot injury, and he struggled to perform at his previous level. The Raiders decided to release him, resulting in a $17.1 million dead cap hit but saving $11.3 million on this year's cap.
Renfrow, who had a standout season in 2021 with 103 catches for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns, saw a decline in production over the past two seasons. Despite signing a contract extension in 2022, he was released to avoid paying his $11.2 million base salary for 2024. This move saves the Raiders $8.21 million in cap room.
Tillery, claimed off waivers from the Chargers in 2022, played 25 games for the Raiders and had two sacks. Hoyer, brought in as a backup, lost his only start last season.
With Garoppolo's departure, the Raiders will have a quarterback competition between Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew, who signed a two-year, $25 million deal. The team also has the option to draft a quarterback with the 13th pick in the upcoming draft.
These roster moves mark the beginning of the Raiders' offseason restructuring as general manager Tom Telesco and coach Antonio Pierce aim to build a competitive team for the future.
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