The Raiders removed a player from their suddenly crowded backfield Tuesday, releasing Rod Smith. They also released veteran guard Jordan Devey.
Smith signed with the Raiders in December 2019 and played in three games. But the team since added Devontae Booker, Lynn Bowden Jr. and Theo Riddick to a backfield already housing Josh Jacobs and Jalen Richard.
Smith, 28, is a vested veteran and will return to free agency. He is best known for his years backing up Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas but has been on three teams — the Giants, Titans and Raiders — since 2019.
Las Vegas also re-signed Devey this offseason, bringing back the former 49ers and Chiefs lineman in April. However, the Raiders drafted guard John Simpson in the draft a few weeks later. They still have starters Gabe Jackson and Richie Incognito, with Simpson and Denzelle Good supplying depth. A six-year veteran, Devey played in four Raiders games last season before heading to IR with a torn pectoral muscle.
In additional roster-clearing moves, the Raiders waived linebacker Sharif Finch and guard Jordan Roos.
Names of the post: Sharif Finch and Richie Incognito