AP Source: Raiders decline 5th-year option on CB DJ Hayden

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Raiders have declined their fifth-year option on cornerback DJ Hayden.

A person with knowledge of the decision said the Raiders chose to allow Hayden to become an unrestricted free agent in 2017 instead of picking up the option for that season before Monday's deadline. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the move.

Hayden has struggled since entering the league as the 12th overall pick in 2013. He missed 14 games his first two seasons because of injuries and has been mostly ineffective when he has played.

Waiver-wire pickup David Amerson replaced him in the starting lineup last season and Oakland signed Sean Smith to start at the other cornerback position this offseason.

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