ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson reports that the Raiders have not spoken to the agent for linebacker Kamerion Wimbley “in several days,” and are expected to release their top edge rusher barring a “major change.”
Wimbley, listed Monday among PFT’s top cap casualty candidates, appears no closer to reaching an adjusted contract with the Raiders. Despite Wednesday’s restructurings of safety Michael Huff and defensive tackle Richard Seymour, Oakland remains out of position to pay Wimbley’s scheduled $11 million base salary.
Williamson speculates that the San Diego Chargers “could be a favorite” to land Wimbley after he hits the free agent market. The Chargers are pursuing pass rushers this offseason, and Wimbley could be a more affordable target than top free agent Mario Williams.
All along, Wimbley has had little or no incentive to accept a pay reduction. As an unrestricted free agent, Wimbley would be a highly valued commodity around the NFL and can expect a first-year payment from his next team that dwarfs the $11 million Oakland would have paid him.