Raiders Set to Release DeAngelo Hall

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Nothing coming out of the Oakland Raiders organization really surprises me anymore. Therefore, while I was not anticipating the team releasing their biggest offseason acquisition, they are, in fact, ready to give cornerback DeAngelo Hall his walking papers. And I’m not shocked. The whole situation was supposed to hit the fan today, but the Raiders are apparently putting it off until tomorrow for some reason.

If DeAngelo is cut (and all signs are pointing to exactly that happening), he will have made $8 million for his eight games with the Raiders. Yeah, I know. As shocking as that is, by releasing him now, the Raiders will actually save themselves another $16 million in injury-guaranteed bonuses. Financially responsible the Raiders are not, but it might be a good move. This is the same team that paid defensive tackle Tommy Kelly an NFL-record $50.5 million over seven years and receiver Javon Walker $55 million for six years. You wonder what they’re thinking. Ironically, both of these players are rumored to be on their way out in an exodus of overpaid talent.

DeAngelo will go through the waiver process but it’s unfathomable that any other team is as irresponsible with money as the Raiders, so he would become a free agent and be available to sign with any team of his choosing. There will certainly be interest. DeAngelo hasn’t had a bad year. Despite being banged up and playing in such a dysfunctional environment, he has a respectable 48 tackles and three interceptions. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots, Cowboys, Giants or Redskins show a sincere interest.

Source: NFL.com, Photo: Newscom