The Raiders pared their roster in advance of training camp by releasing veteran safety Keith Davis and rookie defensive end Stryker Sulak on Monday.
Davis, who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2002-08, was signed May 21 and participated in some of the team’s offseason workouts.
The Raiders apparently feel confident enough to enter training camp with Mike Mitchell, Tyvon Branch, Hiram Eugene and Michael Huff at safety.
Sulak was a sixth-round draft choice out of Missouri in April and participated in the team’s offseason workouts and mandatory minicamp.
The Raiders didn’t announce Sulak’s release, but a person close to Sulak confirmed the transaction.
Ravens: Wide receiver Derrick Mason told a sports Web site he’s retiring. “After 12 years, I’ve done it all,” he told jocklife.com. “Right now, I’m content with the decision I’m making. … I’m ready to see what else life has to offer.” But Mason has not informed the team of his decision. “For any player to retire, he has to send a letter to the NFL stating this. Derrick Mason has not done that,” said Kevin Byrne of the Ravens’ public relations department. Mason insisted the announcement had nothing to do with his drive during the offseason to get a better contract. “I’ve made enough money, more than enough,” he said. Mason, 35, had 80 catches for 1,037 yards last season. In 2008, he also became the 31st player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career yards receiving. He played eight seasons with Tennessee and four years with the Ravens. Without Mason, Baltimore’s most accomplished wide receivers are Mark Clayton and former De La Salle High and Oregon standout Demetrius Williams.
Vikings: Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell visited Brett Favre in Hattiesburg, Miss., last week to watch him throw passes, but it remains uncertain when the currently retired quarterback will make a decision on playing for the Vikings this season, according to ESPN.com. Favre had arthroscopic surgery on his throwing arm six weeks ago. Favre, according to sources, felt his performance with the Oak Grove High team was encouraging. Favre, though, warned the Vikings that he might be forced to delay a decision on whether to play until just before the team opens training camp July 29.
Buccaneers: Tampa Bay released veteran quarterback Brian Griese and signed third-round draft choice Roy Miller, a defensive tackle from Texas. Griese was the odd man out in what seems to be a three-way battle for the starting job. The team now has unsigned top draft pick Josh Freeman of Kansas State and veterans Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich, along with second-year pro Josh Johnson.
Jets: New York released veteran tight end Bubba Franks, who caught six passes for 47 yards in eight games last season. He missed eight games due to a hip injury. Dustin Keller, who had a promising rookie season in 2008, and undrafted free agents J’Nathan Bullock and Jack Simmons are the only tight ends on the Jets roster.
Patriots: New England signed second-round draft pick Darius Butler, a cornerback from Connecticut.
Jaguars: In an effort to boost ticket sales in a sluggish economy, Jacksonville is offering half-season packages for half price. Fans can buy season tickets to five of 10 home games (eight regular season and two exhibition) for $200. The offer comes as the team faces several TV blackouts in 2009.
