Curry and Harris could be cap casualties in Oakland

According to the NFL Network, the Oakland Raiders are ready to part ways with wide receiver Ronald Curry in a move that could save them up to $2.3 million in salary cap space.

Curry, 29, had been one of the more dependable players on the roster in recent memory. But after posting 117 receptions in two prior seasons, the former 7^th round pick struggled in 2008 with a meager 19 catches for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns. A turf toe injury, inconsistent play and difficulties integrating him into an aerial attack that ranked last in the NFL in passing yards per game were just some of the reasons his numbers dipped significantly.

The wide-out was even benched midway through the season, which left him pondering his future with the team that gave him a chance to develop at wide receiver after starting his career as a quarterback on the scout team.

“It’s like the team gave up on me. You go from playing to getting one or two snaps a game, the decision is being made. I’m going to go out there and continue to work at practice, work at games and once the season’s over, the picture’s pretty clear,” Curry stated after his demotion.

After showing toughness and determination, sustaining season ending injuries only to bounce back and produce on teams that struggled, Oakland signed him to five-year, $20 million extension that included $8.5 million guarantees.

He said in November, “It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when you go from that to not playing at all. Like I said, the picture’s pretty clear. I feel like my past kind of speaks for itself and I’ve shown that I can make plays and hopefully my talent will be wanted somewhere else.”

Reports are also circulating regarding the future of Kwame Harris. The one-year experiment at left tackle with the former 49er was a disaster and at this point, a situation that may not be salvageable for the Raiders.

The Raiders could free up an estimated $7.2 million if they release Harris, who has an $8.8 million cap number for 2009.

ANALYSIS:

Curry was a model citizen, worked hard to get on the field after season ending injuries and at times, appeared to be the lone productive talent on offense through the years. But he did not warrant the big contract bestowed on him and at best, he’s a complimentary receiver and not the type of target you can depend on as a ‘go-to’ guy.

He was not happy with the happenings with the club this year and soured throughout 2008.

Yes the Raiders have a lack of talent at receiver and need an infusion at that position, but they ranked at the bottom of the league with Curry, and with the cap being a major issue for them this off-season, it’s a move that Oakland has to make if they want to find JaMarcus Russell a top tier receiver an improve the rest of the roster.

Curry is a good player, but not at that price. Moreover, the drops, mental lapses and dip in play were signs of a player that may need a change of scenery.

As for Harris, the time has come for Oakland to purge themselves of inept players. And he was a main reason why the offense sputtered with his penalties, sloppy pass protection and malaise at left tackle.

Tom Cable tried to get something out of the former 1^st round pick and it didn’t work. Incredibly enough, the Raiders did structure his deal in a way where they could severe ties with him without major ramifications. Probably the lone silver lining in their decision to bring in a player who at times looked defeated after games with no signs of confidence in his abilities. 

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist