The Raiders have restructured the contracts of left tackle Kolton Miller and running back Kenyan Drake (Twitter link via Field Yates of ESPN.com). Between the two moves, the Raiders have carved out an additional $14.525MM in cap space for this offseason. 
[RELATED: Raiders, Crosby In Talks]
Drake joined the Raiders last year on a two-year, $11MM deal. Serving as the Raiders’ second-leading rusher behind starter Josh Jacobs, Drake tallied 254 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and a solid 4.3 yards per carry average last year. He also added 29 grabs for 283 receiving yards and one TD through the air. Unfortunately, his season ended in December with an ankle fracture suffered against Washington.
Around that same time, Miller agreed to a three-year extension worth upwards of $18MM per year. At that time, the advanced metrics were only so-so on his play. But, last year, Miller graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 6 ranked tackle (86.3 overall score) in the NFL. By all accounts and measures, the UCLA product has steadily improved with every season. Miller has played on every snap for the last three seasons and, in 2021, he allowed just 35 total pressures.
The Raiders will direct some of this cash to free agency, though they’re also looking to lock up standout defensive end Maxx Crosby.
I really don’t understand why the nfl can’t figure out how to structure contracts properly the first time. I read yesterday that Dak restructured which was the plan all along.
It’s not that they can’t figure it out… It’s that most teams are structuring contracts, and then restructuring contracts later, for the purpose of minimizing the cap hit in the next season. This usually comes with long term consequences. It’s just classic short term thinking in business. Doesn’t seem to pay off for any of these teams either!