Raiders cut ties with Walker, Ellis

The Oakland Raiders cut their losses with Javon Walker while the release of Greg Ellis comes as somewhat of a surprise.

In a move that was perhaps inevitable, the Oakland Raiders cut ties with veteran wide receiver on Monday, ending what was essentially a fruitless and very expensive two-year relationship.

Walker signed with the Raiders in March of 2008, agreeing to a six-year, $55 million deal of which $16 million was guaranteed.

At the time, the Raiders believed they were getting a potential number one receiver who was only one year removed from a season in which he hauled in 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns.

However, nagging injuries and off-the-field issues continued to be a detriment to Walker’s career, and the Raiders finally decided on Monday that they had endured enough.

In only 11 games with the Raiders, Walker caught 15 catches for 196 yards and one touchdown.

The release of Greg Ellis was somewhat of a surprise considering Head Coach Tom Cable’s public praise of Ellis’ veteran leadership in the locker room.

The 34-year-old Ellis signed with the Raiders prior to the 2008 season after having been cut by the Dallas Cowboys.

In his lone season with the Raiders, Ellis proved to be a productive pass rusher. In only 14 games and despite being hampered by knee and shoulder injuries, Ellis tallied 29 tackles and tied for the team lead with seven sacks.

According to Steve Corkran of The Oakland Tribune, the possibility for Ellis’ return to the team still remains if his health improves and he is without a contract.

The Raiders have now released three veterans from the team during the offseason, with the moves of Walker and Ellis following Saturday’s release of running back Justin Fargas.

Also leaving the team on Monday was free agent offensive tackle Cornell Green, who signed with the Buffalo Bills for a reported $9 million over three years.