Raiders release Jimmy Garoppolo and Hunter Renfrow to cut costs

Las Vegas Raiders release Garoppolo, Renfrow, Tillery, and Hoyer to create cap space for offseason rebuild. Quarterback competition ahead.

The Las Vegas Raiders wasted no time in making significant moves at the start of the new league year. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and receiver Hunter Renfrow were both released, giving the new regime led by general manager Tom Telesco and coach Antonio Pierce more flexibility under the salary cap.

Garoppolo, who was signed to a lucrative contract last offseason, failed to live up to expectations after being benched midway through the season. His struggles, combined with a recent suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, made his release inevitable. While the move will result in a significant dead cap hit, it will also save the Raiders millions in cap space.

Renfrow, once a standout player under Jon Gruden, saw his production decline in recent seasons. Despite a career year in 2021, injuries and poor performance led to his release. The move will save the Raiders money in cap space but will also result in a dead cap hit.

In addition to Garoppolo and Renfrow, backup quarterback Brian Hoyer and defensive tackle Jerry Tillery were also released. Hoyer, who was brought in based on his familiarity with McDaniels, failed to make an impact, while Tillery, a former first-round pick, struggled to find his footing with the team.

With these moves, the Raiders are poised to enter the offseason with a quarterback competition between Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew. The team also has the option to draft a quarterback with the 13th pick in the upcoming draft.

Overall, the Raiders are looking to rebuild and reshape their roster under new leadership. While these moves may be tough in the short term, they are necessary steps in the team's journey towards becoming a contender in the league.