The Raiders are releasing cornerback Sean Smith, according to multiple reports, parting with a player who would have been due a significant contract next season and is mired in legal issues.
The move clears $8.5 million in 2018 salary cap space for the Raiders, two days before the start of free agency. Teams were allowed to start negotiating with prospective free agents beginning Monday morning.
Smith’s release was first reported by Raiderssnakepit.com. Also Monday morning, The Los Angeles Times reported that Smith, 30, is expected to serve jail time for his role in an altercation that occurred last year in Pasadena.