It’s clear that general manager Tom Telesco does not like Jerry Tillery. The ex- Los Angeles Chargers first-round pick didn’t even last four seasons before Telesco let him go.
It did not take long for the general manager to cut him once again now that they're both with the Las Vegas Raiders. As per a March 9 X post from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team has told Tillery that he’s being released.
Tillery spent the last two seasons with the Raiders and played in 25 games. He only got 2.0 sacks in that time and the team wants to upgrade the defensive line this offseason. Even though Schefter referred to Tillery as a defensive end, he mainly played on the inside for the Raiders.
It’s possible that he would’ve been cut whether Telesco was hired as general manager or not. By cutting the former first-round pick, the Raiders free up $3.8 million in salary cap and only take on $375,000 in dead cap, per Spotrac. It was a sensible and simple way for the team to get more salary cap space before free agency. It's not out of the question that Tillery could return at a lower contract if he doesn’t sign elsewhere.
Las Vegas Raiders Could Select DT Early
The Raiders are pretty much settled at defensive end. Maxx Crosby is one of the best in the NFL, Malcolm Koonce seems like a rising star, and former top-10 pick Tyree Wilson should only improve.
With the edges settled, the Raiders need to concentrate on enhancing the interior of the defensive line. The team has been in need of a pass-rushing defensive tackle for years and this might be the offseason they finally find one.
If the Raiders turn to the draft, Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II is a player to keep an eye on, according to Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur of The Athletic.
“Murphy was the best interior pass rusher in college football last season, and he is also strong against the run,” Tafur and Reed wrote in a March 6 column. “He may not be the ideal size for some at 6-foot-1, 308 pounds, but he is explosive, consistently gains leverage underneath, and has strong hands that enable him to push blockers out of the way. He’s a three-down threat who could be Maxx Crosby’s new best friend.”
Murhpy has the athletic tools to be a real issue in the NFL. Adding an impact defensive tackle could give the defense a significant boost.
Las Vegas Raiders Could Be Big Spenders
The Raiders are now expected to have at least $50 million in salary cap space with Jerry Tillery being released. With Jimmy Garoppolo and Hunter Renfrow likely next, the team can free up even more room.
They are now in a position to be big spenders in free agency. Although some think the Raiders are in a rebuilding phase, it does not seem like the team believes that. They could go all-in this offseason and try to build a playoff roster. They certainly have the funds to make that happen. The team finished 8-9 and just getting two more wins next season could be enough to get them in the playoffs.
