Jon Gruden has wasted no time in shaping the Raiders into his team.
First he attacked special teams, waving goodbye to long-time kick Sebastian Janikowski and then trading returned Cordarrelle Patterson to the Patriots. Next he gave Michael Crabtree his walking papers and responded by signing former Packers’ star receiver Jody Nelson and former Bucs’ running back, Doug Martin. Those were surprising moves, but today came a shocker as the team announced that they were releasing punter Marquette King
Mike Garafolo on Twitter
Marquette King went over to the Raiders’ facility today to meet some of the coaches. Never got the chance. GM Reggie McKenzie pulled him in, spoke to him and, in the end, informed King he was being released.
King has become one of the most entertaining players in the NFL and was also one the best punters in the game, ranking third in net punting average at 42.7 yards. So why the shocking move? Doesn’t seem to be salary related as King was set to make $2.9 million, but it could be related to what some are saying was a difference in personalities between the new coach and punter.
Vic Tafur on Twitter
There were whispers of King’s personality not clicking with Gruden’s. I should have listened better. Coach didn’t want to spend a lot of money on punter who gets personal fouls. #Raiders
This explanation might seem a little confusing as it appears that King was going to meet the new coaches when he learned he was being released, but obviously something wasn’t clicking in Chucky’s new vision for the Black and Silver.
While fans are left scratching their heads over this move, you can be sure that King will be getting lots of calls now.
