The Raiders are releasing veteran defensive end Tank Carradine, according to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal (Twitter link).
According to Gehlken, Carradine requested his release from the team and Oakland obliged. Gehlken notes that Carradine will “hit free agency in search of larger role” and that he was dissatisfied with his role with the Riders. Through four games, Carradine had played just 24 defensive snaps. Carradine got some run against the Broncos in Week 2, but has been inactive for the team’s other three games.
Carradine, a Florida State alum, was taken in the second round by the 49ers back in 2013. Despite his high draft status, he never really panned out in San Francisco. Last year he appeared in eight games, starting seven. He notched just 1.5 sacks and 19 tackles. For his career, Carradine has 77 tackles and 5.5 sacks. His best year came in 2014 when he had three sacks in just nine games in a situational role.
Carradine has always struggled with injuries, but has been solid against the run throughout his career and able to generate pressure despite his low sack numbers. It was reported back in February that the 49ers were interested in re-signing him, but the Raiders ended up signing him to a one-year deal in March. With several teams across the league looking for pass-rush help, Carradine should be able to latch on with someone before the end of the season.