The Oakland Raiders are set to release wide receiver Javon Walker only one year into his 6-year, $55 million contract.  Walker appeared in only eight games last season, catching a total of 15 passes.

Walker’s career as a Raider will be remembered more for what he did off of the field rather than on the field.  Last summer in Las Vegas, Walker was robbed and beaten during a bizarre nightclub incident.  Walker also tried to retire before even playing a game with the Raiders, saying that “his heart was no longer into it.”

Now that Javon Walker and Ronald Curry are gone, Raiders fans are optimistic that a talented young receiver like Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin can be drafted in this year’s NFL Draft.  There are also a few big name receivers on the free agent market who would make a great fit playing with JaMarcus Russell.

UPDATE

The Oakland Raiders re-signed pro-bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha today to a record contract for a defensive back:  $45.3 million for three years.

Sources are reporting that the 27-year-old Asomugha will be guaranteed $28.5 million in the deal.  The deal was brokered by agent Tom Condon and Al Davis is said to have had significant involvement.

According to NFL Network’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders are set to release wide receiver Ronald Curry from the team.

The release of Curry will save the Oakland Raiders $2.3 million against the salary cap.  Curry has had many injuries during his career with the Raiders since they selected him in the seventh round of the 2002 draft. 

Curry played in 13 games during the 2008 season and posted a disappointing 19 receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns.

Fans are optimistic that the Raiders will be able to pick up either Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin in the 2009 NFL draft.

Even though Tuiasosopo was usually a third string quarterback, most Raiders fans often found themselves asking the question, “Who signed this guy and what is he doing here?”

Well the Tuiasosopo era is now over, and ex-Browns quarterback Bruce Gradkowski looks to take his place. The Raiders claimed Gradkowski on waivers this past Tuesday.

Gradkowski started 11 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his rookie season in 2006. He completed 54% of his passes for 1,661 yards with 9 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.