Las Vegas Raiders

Oakland Raiders: Pros and Cons to Losing Marcel Reece

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fullback Marcel Reece (45) is introduced before of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

For some, it came as a shocker. For others, it’s viewed as a shrewd roster move. Did the Oakland Raiders make the right move in releasing Marcel Reece?

Before any NFL transaction, teams must weigh the pros and cons. What do they lose and gain from said roster move? The Oakland Raiders released Marcel Reece, a respected pillar in the locker room and three-time Pro Bowler.

Immediately tweets and quotes came pouring in to support the 31-year old fullback going forward:

@CelReece45 more than just a teammate to me, you were a mentor…friend…brother. Thank you for everything!

— Jamize R. Olawale (@jrolawale) September 27, 2016

My brother. @CelReece45 thank you for showing us what it looks like to be Raiders. Love you bro. pic.twitter.com/tp5pjVrwwv

— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) September 26, 2016

In addition, general manager Reggie McKenzie provided commentary on the “tough decision” made on Monday, per CSNBayArea.com:

What he has meant to the organization and to me over the past few years is hard to put into words, but his actions, both on and off the field, speak louder than any words can. This was a tough decision. Not enough can be said about Marcel’s commitment to his teammates and his pride in the Raiders, and we wish him and his family nothing but the best.

Owner Mark Davis also shared his sentiments for Reece beyond his contributions as a player. He offered the career-long Raider a position with the organization after his playing career, per the team’s official website.

Obviously, the decision to release Reece points to a business decision. Did the Raiders make the right move? Should we consider other factors in this transaction?

Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders Save $2.1 Million

The Raiders didn’t save a fortune but recouped approximately $2.1 million, which left $880,839 in dead cap, per overthecap.com. Reece’s contract comes off the books completely in the offseason.

After his four-game suspension, one game served during the previous season, many thought he’d reclaim a spot on the roster. With one roster spot left open, it became certain Reece would fill the space.

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Once the Raiders released their coveted veteran, questions about who’s filling the final roster spot emerged again. The team released linebacker Korey Toomer from the practice squad and replaced him with defensive tackle Demetrius Cherry. Then, they promoted rookie offensive guard Denver Kirkland to the active roster.

The Raiders played their third-string offensive tackle, rookie Vadal Alexander, against the Titans to compensate for injuries. According to CSNBayArea.com reporter Scott Bair, offensive tackles Menelik Watson and Austin Howard missed Wednesday’s practice.

If the injuries linger for the offensive linemen, Kirkland could have an extended stay on the 53-man roster. With Alexander at tackle, Jon Feliciano lists as the only backup guard on the roster.

As for Reece, we’ll see if another team takes a chance on him. He could contribute as a reliable H-back or receiving tight end for at least another two seasons.

August 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jamize Olawale (49) runs past Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Unnecessarily Cutting Depth

On the flip side, the Raiders didn’t immediately sign a player to fill the last spot on the roster. With that said, why the haste to release a three-time Pro Bowler?

Across the league, injuries have decimated certain roster positions. It’s not a bad idea to keep reliable players on the roster at low snap counts. Once the bumps and bruises pile up, reserves have to finish the season or temporarily fill voids.

Where will the Raiders turn if fullback Jamize Olawale goes down with an injury? He’s the bruising short-yardage ball-carrier who grinds out a nasty two-yard run for a first down.

Where do the Raiders turn if tight end Clive Walford misses multiple games with an injury? Lee Smith isn’t a consistent threat in the passing attack. Mychal Rivera hasn’t recorded a catch for the season. He’s on an expiring contract and likely done in Oakland after Week 17.

According to spotrac.com, Reece’s carried a $3 million contract hit, which doesn’t amount to a huge financial burden on the McKenzie’s purse. The Raiders could’ve held onto the versatile fullback until signing a must-have free agent. At the moment, there’s rising confidence in Olawale and Walford at their positions, but no one can predict injuries.

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) before their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Jamize Olawale, Clive Walford Roles Expand

As healthy participants, Olawale’s and Walford’s values to the offense increased over time. Reece’s absence led to more carries for his protégé and increased targets for the second-year tight end. Head coach Jack Del Rio didn’t put emphasis on Reece’s suspension as a determining factor in the transaction, per the team official website. However, he acknowledged the coaching staff’s confidence in the backfield, which includes Olawale.

As many NFL players know, availability or the lack thereof, either solidifies your spot or opens the door for someone else. In Reece’s case, it’s the latter.

Over the first three games, the offense blossomed without his occasional carry or receptions in the short passing attack. Olawale doesn’t play a huge part in moving the ball downfield, but he’s made the most of his opportunities. Furthermore, he received a three-year extension last December.

Walford ranks No. 3 in receptions (11) and receiving yards (102) on the team. He’s still projected as an X-Factor within this offense and on pace to top his rookie numbers.

Reece missed time, and the younger talent essentially filled his role. The next-man-up mentality phased the three-time Pro Bowler out of Oakland. Now, both sides must move onto bigger and better things.

Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) hugs fullback Marcel Reece (45) after an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Losing a Locker Room Leader, Pro Bowler

When reading McKenzie’s and Davis’ statements on Reece, it’s not hard to realize the respect level for a career-long Raider. Reece actually started his career with the Miami Dolphins practiced squad, but he didn’t suit up in live action until signing in Oakland.

Over seven seasons, Reece went to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2012-14. He displayed solid hands as a receiver, who exploited matchups against linebackers and safeties. He also served as an emergency running back, averaging four or more yards per carry in five campaigns.

Nonetheless, the Raiders didn’t hide the context clues about Reece’s forthcoming departure. His numbers significantly dipped as Olawale’s role expanded during the previous season. He only logged 10 rush attempts and 37 catches in seven starts.

Olawale replaced his mentor.

Similar to Reece, the Raiders starting fullback came through the ranks as an undrafted free agent. In 2012, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys and eventually joined their practice squad.

The injury bug struck the Raiders backfield in the same year. The team signed Olawale off the Cowboys’ practice squad. Running backs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson missed time, which opened an opportunity for the undrafted running back.

The Raiders kept Olawale on the active roster through Reece’s Pro Bowl years. Then, carved out a role for him in place of his veteran counterpart. The news about Reece hit the fifth-year fullback like a haymaker on Monday, per Bay Area News Group reporter Jerry McDonald:

I was expecting to come in today and catch up and get to work. It caught me off guard. But I talked to him. He seems to be in a good place. It’s hard, though. He was big part of this locker room, big on this team and he and I are pretty close.

There’s an empty void in Olawale’s personal connections within the locker room, but the Raiders see a rock-solid backfield. However, for a young team, veteran leadership holds significant value. Apparently, the Raiders feel secure with the current voices in their locker room.

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