Raiders Release Marquette King
The Oakland Raiders announced the release of Marquette King today (3/30/18). Though Raider Nation appears upset by the move, the writing was on the wall and the move makes sense considering the financial position the team is in. Here’s why…
In February of 2016 the Raiders signed Marquette King to a 5-year $16.5 million deal. King’s cap hit in 2018 would have been $3 million. The Raiders incur a cap hit of just $150k by releasing King while freeing up a nice little chunk of change to offer up much-needed wiggle room during free agency.
Oakland is in the process of trying to re-sign Navarro Bowman all the while negotiating a contract extension for Khalil Mack. Recent comments by Raiders’ general manager Reggie McKenzie suggest deals haven’t been reached with either player. Expect Oakland to continue to nip away at their salary cap in an attempt to get both defenders under new contracts prior to the draft.
Earlier this month the team signed free agent punter Colby Watman who participated in a 2017 rookie mini-camp with the Silver and Black. Colby played out his collegiate career for UC Davis. Watman’s collegiate average was a respectable 40.2 with 57 of his punts landing inside the 20-yard line.
While the move makes sense on several levels, Raiders fans are sad to see the colorful special teamer go. Here are some of their initial reactions on Twitter:
Marquette King is about to make some wild social media video post punting a cake that has Gruden's face on it (while playing the piano) and walking his pet lizard and doing ab crunches while his techno music plays in the background. It was fun while it lasted. #RaiderNation
— Slippahz & Fanny Pack Li dat (@Oahu_Raider808) March 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/bwells1007/status/979820567959252992
Unless there’s something we don’t know about, cutting Marquette King is a dumb ass move
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) March 30, 2018
I gotta pour a little out for @MarquetteKing though, entertaining as he was in a #Raiders uniform. pic.twitter.com/Opdm5PzHmr
— Maurice Moton (@MoeMoton) March 30, 2018
You can't just cut Marquette King pic.twitter.com/c80UeXyFlm
— The Ringer (@ringer) March 30, 2018
Raiders releasing Marquette King makes no sense at all. Gruden needs to be stopped.
— AbS (@absdadon) March 30, 2018
Written by: Kenny Stapler
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