Raiders release trio of players, including two former first-round picks

The Raiders give up on former first-rounder Darrius Heyward-Bey. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Oakland Raiders released former first-round picks wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and safety Michael Huff as well as defensive end David Tollefson, the team announced Tuesday.

Heyward-Bey was a surprise first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the team, primarily because of his speed after he clocked a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. He had 41 receptions for 606 yards and five touchdowns last season. The team saves $5.341 million in salary cap space by cutting Heyward-Bey.

Huff was selected as the seventh overall pick in 2006 NFL Draft after winning the Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back while at the University of Texas. He had 343 tackles and 11 interceptions in seven seasons with the team. Huff’s best season was in 2010 when he was a second-team All-Pro selection ending the season with 94 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions.

“The Raiders would like to thank Michael Huff and Darrius Heyward-Bey for their contributions to our organization, both on the field and especially in our community, over the last several years. We sincerely wish them well in their future endeavors,” the team said in a statement.

The Raiders have released WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, DB Michael Huff and DE David Tollefson; and re-signed DB Phillip Adams.—
OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) March 12, 2013