Raiders Release Defensive End Kamerion Wimbley

The Oakland Raiders released Kamerion Wimbley today, cutting ties with the 28-year-old defensive end just one year into a five-year contract, according to the Associated Press.

Wimbley signed a $48 million deal through 2015 with the Raiders last summer. By cutting that deal short today, the Raiders save $4.5 million in guaranteed money for the 2012 season, plus a boatload more down the road.

“We tried to make it work all afternoon, but just too many constraints with [the] Raiders' cap situation,” agent Joe Linta told the AP. “[Raiders GM] Reggie McKenzie is a real pro, and we appreciate how he handled it.”

Wimbley, who was the Cleveland Browns' first-round pick in the 2006 draft, had seven sacks last season for the Raiders and 16 overall in his two seasons donning the silver and black.