Raiders Cut Three To Fit Record Contracts Under Cap.

In order to accomodate the huge contracts recently signed by Nnamdi Asomugha and Shane Lechler, the Raiders have released 3 players, including starting strong safety Gibril Wilson.

Joining Wilson in free agency will be wide receiver Ronald Curry and defensive end Kalimba Edwards.

Wilson, due a $2.5 Million salary and a $4.5 million roster bonus on March 5th, was signed to a six-year, $39 Million deal last offseason after leading the Super Bowl champion New York Giants in tackles.

Curry, due a $3.5 Million salary in 2009. The team's leading receiver in 2006 and 2007 with 117 receptions for 1,444 yards, Curry slumped to 19 catches, 181 yards and was plagued by dropped passes in 2008 before being phased out in favor of rookie Chaz Schilens.

Edwards joined the Raiders as a free agent from Detroit and recorded 5 sacks on the season, but none over the final 8 games. Edwards was to earn $2.25 Million in the second year of a two-year contract.

The three releases will save the Raiders approximately $6.2 Million in salary cap space. The club was reportedly $8 Million under the cap last week before making Lechler (four years, $16 Million) and Asomugha (three years, $45.3 Million) the highest-paid players at their respective positions.