Raiders release Nate Allen one year after giving him big contract

The Oakland Raiders released former Philadelphia Eagles safety Nate Allen on Tuesday, according to a report from Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk. The Raiders save $5 million in cap space by cutting him.

Eagles observers were very surprised to see the Raiders sign Allen to such a big deal last offseason. The contract didn't end up being as rich as first reported (which is often the case), but the Raiders still paid $7 million for one year of Allen. That's not good.

Allen started three games for the Raiders in 2015. He probably would have played more if he hadn't suffered an injury in Week 1. He finished the season with seven tackles and one interception.

The Eagles fared fine by letting Allen walk in free agency last offseason. The team signed Walter Thurmond to take his place and Thurmond played well. He's set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and it remains to be seen if he'll be back, however, so the Eagles might have a need at safety again.

Would the Eagles re-sign Allen? I doubt it. The team will need to look elsewhere to address the safety position.