Raiders: 5 moves to clear $13 million in cap space for 2022

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 21: Outside linebacker Cory Littleton #42 of the Las Vegas Raiders prepares for a play during the second half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 32-13. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 21: Outside linebacker Cory Littleton #42 of the Las Vegas Raiders prepares for a play during the second half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 32-13. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Running back Melvin Gordon III #25 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball as tight end Noah Fant #87 blocks defensive end Carl Nassib #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 17-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Running back Melvin Gordon III #25 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball as tight end Noah Fant #87 blocks defensive end Carl Nassib #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 17-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Raiders: 5 moves to clear $13 million in cap space for 2022

Cut Carl Nassib

During the 2020 offseason, defensive end Carl Nassib signed a three-year, $25 million contract, and the hope was that he could help fix the Raiders’ edge-rushing woes. Sure, Maxx Crosby was establishing himself as a solid player, but Clelin Ferrell was a miss at No. 4 overall in 2019, and the Raiders were one of the worst teams in the NFL at getting after the quarterback.

In two years with the team, Nassib has started only five games, and with the team bringing in Yannick Ngakoue via free agency last year, and drafting Malcolm Koonce, he could be the odd man out. He makes way too much money to be a rotational player at this point, and that money should be used elsewhere this offseason.

Nassib is still only 29-years old and does have a knack for getting after the quarterback, but he just is not worth the contract with the Raiders. He is still a very productive player, but with Ngakoue and Crosby as starters, and Koonce hopefully coming along in 2022, the Raiders would be best served to cut him and save the $3+ million.