ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -The Oakland Raiders released defensive tackle Gerard Warren on Thursday, letting go of yet another veteran this offseason.
The decision to release Warren follows moves in the past week to cut ties with running back Justin Fargas, defensive end Greg Ellis and receiver Javon Walker. Those moves help the Raiders save money, as well as open up opportunities for young players to get more significant playing time.
The beneficiary of Warren's release could be Desmond Bryant, an undrafted free agent out of Harvard who showed signs of potential as a rookie.
The only other defensive tackle currently under contract for the Raiders is Tommy Kelly. Defensive end Richard Seymour, who has been designated the team's franchise player, can also move inside to play tackle.
Oakland acquired Warren from Denver just before the start of the 2007 season in the first trade between the two rivals since defensive back Willie Brown came to the Raiders in 1967.
While Brown put together a Hall of Fame career and helped lead the Raiders to their first Super Bowl title, Warren was unable to end Oakland's current run of losing.
The Raiders had the worst run defense in the NFL during Warren's tenure, allowing 153.7 yards rushing per game and a league-worst 71 touchdowns on the ground. Warren had 77 solo tackles and 10 sacks in 44 games with Oakland.
The Raiders won just 14 games the past three years, extending their NFL-worst run of seven straight seasons with at least 11 losses.
Warren has never lived up to his draft billing after being selected third overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2001. He spent four disappointing years with the Browns before being dealt to Denver in 2005. He spent two years with the Broncos before they unloaded him to Oakland.
Warren has 229 solo tackles, 32 sacks, seven forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in his career. He has been to the playoffs just once in his nine seasons.
