Raiders release LB Cory Littleton, could target Nakobe Dean at No. 22
The Las Vegas Raiders decided to clear cap space as the team released six-year veteran ILB Cory Littleton.
Littleton originally broke into the NFL back in 2016 as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Los Angeles Rams. He played four seasons for them before inking a three-year, $35.25M ($22M guaranteed) with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020.
A one-time second-team All-Pro (2018), Littleton will now be looking for work elsewhere in 2022.
Why the move was made
$15,768,000 (2022 cap number)
$14,004,000 (dead money)
$1,764,000 cap savings
On the surface, it doesn’t appear a good move financially since the dead money only nets a $1,764,000 cap savings. However, as the team transitions to a 3-4 base under new DC Patrick Graham, it appears that Littleton wasn’t a fit based on the scheme.
Instant Gratification vs long-term gains
When looking at the long-game, GM Dave Ziegler saw that 2023 cap number of $9,986,000 with the same amount of dead money--meaning $0 cap savings. By releasing Littleton now despite the whopping $14M dead money, he’s saving $1.76M off the books.
Analysis
While I do believe this was a smart play, the Raiders now find themselves in a bigger hole at ILB--opposite of ILB Denzel Perryman. Sitting at No. 22 they may have their eyes set on ILB Nakobe Dean, a player who played in a 3-4 while at Georgia.
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