NFL Oakland Raiders

Releasing LaMarr Woodley Should Be On Oakland Raiders’ To-Do List

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By @CressOnRaiders

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

With the beginning of the 2015 league year only a couple of weeks away, the Oakland Raiders need to begin building for a brighter future. That’s why cutting ties with aging defensive end LaMarr Woodley should be on the team’s to-do list.

This past season, Woodley was nothing more than a disappointment in his first year with the Raiders. Not only did the long-time Pittsburgh Steelers star end the season on Injured Reserve due to a torn biceps muscle, but he was extremely ineffective when he was on the active roster.

Touted as an impactful pass rusher despite his 30 years of age, Woodley struggled mightily to get the job done during his six games with the Raiders. According to ProFootballFocus, he finished the year with the worst rating (-6.8) among all Oakland defensive ends. His -2.6 rating as a pass rusher was anything but impressive.

Set to make $3.85 million with a $1.5 million bonus in 2015, it’s time for the Raiders to end their short relationship with the injury-prone veteran. Not only would they add even more money to the available salary cap space they can use this offseason, but the move would open up an opportunity for the Raiders to give more playing time to their young pass rushers.

The Raiders coaching staff appears to see significant potential in 2014 seventh-round pick Shelby Harris, who has plenty of athleticism but was shrouded in character issues coming out of college. Although he only saw eight snaps during his rookie season, Harris showed enough upside during practices to warrant a longer look.

Benson Mayowa could also earn a serious look this season. Although he graded poorly as a pass rusher last season, his ability to play the run was much better than Woodley’s last year. If the 2013 undrafted free agent could get some added experience in 2015, there’s room for him to develop into a quality contributor.

There’s also a realistic possibly the Raiders could target a defensive end with the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft. Several options, including Randy Gregory, Shane Ray and Leonard Williams, could be available in the first round, which leaves the door open for owner Mark Davis to add an exciting young edge rusher to the mix.

No matter what direction they go in, dropping Woodley in the free agency pool along the way would be a wise move for the Raiders. Signing him seemed like a solid decision last offseason, but it’s clear that he’s no longer worth the roster spot.

Save some money and send the aging defensive end packing, Reggie McKenzie.

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