Las Vegas Raiders releases veteran running back Kenyan Drake

The Las Vegas Raiders announced Monday that they had released veteran running back Kenyan Drake.

The move came after the Raiders recruited a number of new players, resulting in the growth of their running backs room.

Drake signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the team last year. Up to this point, the Raiders have paid $5,5 million, and the team still owes Drake $2,5 million this season. In 2022 Drake’s total payout hit $8 million.

Last season, Drake participated in two games with the Raiders, recording 63 carries and 254 yards with two touchdowns. He snatched 30 receptions on 43 targets and racked up 291 yards.

The veteran running back played alongside players such as Josh Jacobs, Ameer Abdullah, Zamir White, and Brandon Bolden in the backfield in the games. However, Drake is the only one cut out of the roster several preseason games later.

“My understanding is the #Raiders will still keep an ear to the phone for potential 11th-hour trade inquiries for RB Kenyan Drake, but the clear-cut intention remains to move on either way, per league source,” NFL analyst Josina Anderson said on Twitter.

Shortly after his release, Drake told Anderson that he was disappointed with the team, especially with how Las Vegas treated him.

“I never felt like I had a fair shot to really compete for the job coming off the injury. At the end of the day that’s business…,” Drake told Anderson.

“I feel like as time progressed through camp there really wasn’t a role for me to have anymore because they had guys that they brought in, they traded for & I was kind of odd man out, especially coming off my injury.” Told Drake.

“Other than that, I’m at peace with it because I know my capabilities as a player.”

Throughout his NFL career, Drake has made stops with the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, and Raiders. As for now, it remains unclear how Drake will continue his NFL journey. Drake said he was in search of his fourth team.