The Oakland Raiders have cleared further space in their salary cap by releasing defensive tackle Tommy Kelly.

Kelly still had two years to run on a lucrative seven-year deal he signed in 2008, but Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie decided to cut the player in order to shave £4.3m off this year's cap.

The player joins defensive back Michael Huff and receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey as the third high-profile player released this month who was signed by former owner Al Davis.

Kelly started all 80 games during his time with the Raiders, but last season managed just one sack from 16 matches.