The Las Vegas Raiders have been facing some tough times since their move from Oakland. With just one winning season in the five years since the relocation, it’s clear that something needs to change for the three-time Super Bowl-winning franchise. And with their last playoff win dating back to 2003, it seems like the Raiders have been stuck in a slump for over 22 years.
But with a new season on the horizon, the Raiders seem determined to turn things around and make their mark in the NFL once again. And one of the biggest moves they are predicted to make is cutting ties with their $25 million top 10 pick from the McDaniels era.
The decision to let go of a highly-paid player is not an easy one, especially when they were picked in the top 10 of the draft. But sometimes, in order to succeed, tough choices need to be made. And in the case of the Raiders, it’s clear that this decision is necessary for the team to move forward.
The player in question is Marcus Cannon, an offensive tackle who was selected by the Raiders in the fifth overall pick of the 2011 draft. Cannon was once considered a promising young talent, but his performance has been lacking in recent years. Injuries have plagued him, and his on-field performance has not been up to par with his hefty paycheck.
But beyond his performance, Cannon’s contract has also become a burden for the Raiders. With a salary cap of $185.6 million for the 2021 season, the team simply cannot afford to continue paying a player who has not lived up to expectations. The Raiders have already made some big signings in the offseason and need to make smart financial decisions to build a strong and well-rounded team.
It’s clear that the Raiders organization is ready to make some bold moves in order to improve their chances of success. And despite the potential backlash from fans, it’s important to remember that this is a business, and the team’s ultimate goal is to win games and bring home championships.
Furthermore, this move could also benefit Cannon himself. With the Raiders planning to move on from the 33-year-old veteran, he will have the opportunity to seek new opportunities with another team. Cannon still has the potential to perform well, and a fresh start could be just what he needs to revitalize his career.
In addition to parting ways with Cannon, the Raiders have also been making other changes to their roster. This includes the signing of veteran wide receiver John Brown and the drafting of Alabama tackle Alex Leatherwood with the 17th overall pick. These moves show that the Raiders are serious about strengthening their team and creating a winning culture.
And with a talented and dedicated coaching staff led by head coach Jon Gruden, there’s no doubt that the Raiders have the potential to turn things around. Gruden’s previous successes with the team, including winning a Super Bowl in 2002, have shown that he has what it takes to lead the Raiders to victory once again.
While letting go of a high-profile player may come as a shock to fans, it’s important to trust in the decisions made by the team’s front office and coaching staff. The Raiders have shown that they are willing to make tough choices and do what it takes to build a winning team. And with their sights set on a successful season, there’s no doubt that the Raiders will continue to make bold moves in order to achieve their goals. So, let’s have faith in the Silver and Black and support them as they work towards bringing home another championship.