National Football League
Raiders save $5 million in cap space by releasing Nate Allen
National Football League

Raiders save $5 million in cap space by releasing Nate Allen

Published Feb. 9, 2016 6:21 p.m. ET

The Oakland Raiders released safety Nate Allen on Tuesday, and the move will free up $5 million in salary cap space for the 2016 season, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan.

Allen signed a four-year, $23 million contract last March, but injuries limited him to just five games played in 2015. According to Pro Football Focus, he struggled in pass coverage and against the run.

Based on how Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie structured the contract, Allen's release carries no dead salary cap money attached for the 2016 season.

Allen's release leaves the Raiders very thin at the safety position. Charles Woodson led the secondary in defensive snaps last season, but he has already announced that 2015 was his final season in the NFL.

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The Raiders had just less than an estimated $67 million in salary cap space before Allen's release. The only key in-house free agent they may consider offering a lucrative annual salary to is left tackle Donald Penn. With so much remaining cap space, you can expect the Raiders to be active in free agency at the defensive back position.

If Kansas City Chiefs 2015 All-Pro safety Eric Berry makes it to the market without being franchise tagged first, the Raiders could have interest. Other top free agent safety options include Eric Weddle, Tashaun Gipson and Reggie Nelson

As for Allen, he may have to settle for the veteran's minimum if he wants to continue playing in 2016 in his age-29 season. Allen has not been a very effective safety for quite some time, in large part due to injury.

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