Raiders Announce Kenyan Drake Among Latest Round of Roster Cuts
Aug 23, 2022, 2:20 PM | Updated: 2:23 pm
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 20: Kenyan Drake #23 of the Las Vegas Raiders carries the ball during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders announced they have released running back Kenyan Drake.
Drake had been working his way back from injury in a crowded running backfield. The eighth-year veteran broke his ankle in week 13 against the Washington Commanders.
The Raiders drafted two running backs in this year’s draft, on top of already having starter Josh Jacobs and signing Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden in the offseason.
NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo tweeted that Kenyan Drake was paid a portion of his contract in the spring, and is still owed another $2.5 million guaranteed money.
Kenyan Drake got $5.5 million in the spring from the #Raiders and is owed $2.5 million guaranteed this season (minus what his next team pays him). But that was money the previous regime negotiated. New regime decided to move on.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 22, 2022
Drake signed a two-year $11 million contract in 2021. For his career, he’s averaged 4.5 yards per carry, totaling 3,384 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.
The Raiders also released cornerback Chris Jones and waived receiver Chris Lacy, bringing their roster to the 80-man limit.
The last round of NFL roster cuts comes Tuesday, Aug. 30. Team rosters go from 85 players to the 53-man roster. The NFL allows teams to have a max of 16 players on practice squads, too. The last day of preseason training camp for the NFL is Sunday, Sept. 4.
