The Oakland Raiders have released cornerback David Amerson after three seasons with the team. Cutting Amerson will save the Raiders $6 million against their cap for next season with no dead money, and $21 million over the next three, per Jeremy Bregman of NFL.com.
Amerson, 26, played in just six games during an injury-hit campaign last season. He suffered a season-ending foot injury which saw him miss the last eight games of the year.
Originally drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round in 2013, Amerson was claimed off waivers by the Raiders in 2015. He made 33 starts in three seasons in Oakland and made six interceptions.
Pro Football Focus named Amerson as their Most Improved Player during his debut season with the Raiders, which earned him a four-year extension with Oakland prior to the 2016 season. His base salary of $5.5 million for 2018 would have become guaranteed if he were still on the team's roster on Wednesday.
The Raiders have been one of the worst teams in terms of defending the pass over the last two seasons. Amerson’s struggles were a big part of their poor play last season, and his release will only strengthen their need for more upgrades at cornerback this offseason.
2017 first-round pick Gareon Conley should be set to take on a bigger role next season at cornerback, though. Conley played just two games during his rookie year due to a shin injury which saw him placed on injured reserve. He will likely compete for a starting spot next season with veteran corners TJ Carrie and Sean Smith.
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