Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders took advantage of the uncapped off-season the NFL is operating under and dumped one of the biggest free agent busts in league history.

Wide receiver Javon Walker was released per ESPN reports.

The Silver & Black signed Walker to a six-year $55 million contract that included more than $16 million in guarantees in 2008. He tallied a putrid 15 receptions for 196 yards with one score after his first year with Oakland and then the organization restructured his deal in March of 2009 in a move that reportedly saved the club $22 million.

“We are very happy Javon agreed to restructure his contract and be a part of what we’re building here,” senior executive John Herrera said. “This shows his loyalty and commitment to being a member of the Oakland Raiders and we’re excited about that.”

The executive continued: “The guy can play, he’s proven that before. He was injured last year and didn’t get the chance to show what he can do. This gives him that opportunity.”

He did not record any stats in 2009 and was a healthy inactive for the majority of the campaign, as he stated in September, “I’m more than healthy enough. I’m just going with the flow.”

The saga of the troubled receiver continued in January when he was subpoenaed to testfy in the trial of the alleged killer of former teammate Darrent Williams.

Walker was with Williams on the night he was murdered on New Year’s Day 2007. Walker told HBO’s “Real Sports” he was haunted by that event and still had objects from that frightful evening in an interview August 2007.

“I still have those clothes,” Walker replied.

Walker also miffed the Raiders when he had a procedure done on his right knee that was a surprise to them during their camps. “We just found out about it,” Tom Cable said back in May. “Yeah, it is a little bit uncommon but we’re aware of it now and it was probably the right thing to do and get it cleaned up.”

There were also reports about him wanting to retire prior to his first season in Oakland and being critiqued by former coach Lane Kiffin for being out of shape after he was reportedly abducted, beaten and robbed in Las Vegas. Walker was found on the side of a street with facial injuries after he was robbed for thousands of dollars worth of money and jewelry.

“That’s a done issue,” Walker commented in 2008. “I’m not really sure what happened but that’s a done issue. That’s something that obviously people hear stuff. I’m here practicing, waiting, and [I] obviously can’t wait till the season starts.

“I’m in a great frame of mind. Why wouldn’t I [be]? I’m with a new team, a great bunch of guys. I’m looking forward to getting this season on the road and actually looking forward to going into next week and try to put everything together as a team and as an offense.”

Greg Ellis had a solid start with the Raiders before suffering knee ailments that slowed his production significantly.

The Raiders were cautious with Ellis during the workweek in practices and activated him during game days to get the most out of the aging pass rusher.

When Ellis did sit, rookie Matt Shaughnessy played admirably.

He was a solid veteran presence and his voice in the locker room will be missed.

Ellis, 34, underwent a procedure during the regular season on his knee and he said in November, “I don’t know what happened. I just know swelling, a lot of pressure going down my leg, going down my knee down my shin and my calf.”

Prior to landing in Oakland and signing a 3-year $10 million deal with $5 million in guarantees, the New England Patriots offered a one-year contract worth $1.5 million.

The end finished his lone season with the Raiders tied for the team lead in sacks (7). Ellis was due $2.5 million in 2010.