Darrius Heyward-Bey Cut By Raiders

Former first round draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey has been cut by the Oakland Raiders. As Oakland moves out of the Al Davis era, one thing has become clear: No one is safe.

Looking to clear cap room as free agency begins, the Raiders cut ties with Darrius Heyward-Bey and defensive back Michael Huff. Both were first round draft picks, and both were drafted at the tail end of the Al Davis era. Both with the seventh overall pick in their respective years, Huff in 2006 and Heyward-Bey in 2009

By cutting Darrius Heyward-Bey, the Raiders save $7.7 million next season. Huff saves them another $8 million.

Darrius Heyward-Bey never blossomed into the number one receiver the Raiders hoped he would be. He never caught for more than 1,000 yards in a season and never scored more than five touchdowns. In 2011, he caught for 975 yards, but regressed back down to 606 yards last season.

Head coach Dennis Allen is clearly looking to make a change in Oakland after a disastrous 4-12 first year that saw the Raiders miss the playoffs for the 10th straight season.

With the Raiders staying in Oakland indefinitely, the organization needs to make moves to make the team a contender again. Right now, the Raiders regularly get blacked out locally every Sunday because not enough fans go to games.

The move to cut Darrius Heyward-Bey also signals Carson Palmer’s era in Oakland might be over. The veteran signal called took a lot of blame for the teams woes last season and is in the middle of a $100 million contract. The Raiders might cut their losses and take their chance with back up Terrelle Pryor instead. With the third pick in the draft they could also bring in a rookie QB and throw him into the fire right away. With the Alex Smith trade to the Chiefs, Geno Smith should still be available by then.

Are you surprised Darrius Heyward-Bey was cut by the Raiders? Is he officially a draft bust now?