Nate

Allen

The Raiders have put their abundance of cap space to aggressive use over the last two days, inking Roy Helu, Rodney Hudson, Curtis Lofton and Dan Williams. Allen got shredded on a weekly basis last season but still found a way to lead the Eagles with four interceptions. He’d start at free safety in Oakland.

Allen signed a “four-year, $23 million” contract last March, but ended up appearing in only five games for the Silver and Black, making three starts. He missed 11 contests with a knee issue. The move creates $5 million in cap space, and leaves behind no dead money. His $4.9 million salary was set to become guaranteed on Wednesday, forcing the move. Going on 29, Allen hasn’t been effective in quite some time.

Allen signed a “four-year, $23 million” deal with the Raiders two years ago, but was released after one season. He ended up re-signing for less money, but remained ineffective in 2016, and was allowed to walk. He’ll be a body behind SS Reshad Jones as the Dolphins figure out how to replace Isa Abdul-Quddus.

Allen got in a limited practice Wednesday, but he sat out both Thursday’s and Friday’s sessions. Coach Jack Del Rio said Allen practiced Wednesday to see where he was, and the team decided after “not to push it.” Allen avoided a setback, but his status for Week 16 remains murky. Taylor Mays got the start last week with Allen out.

Allen was limited to five games this year, but his injury isn’t a long-term concern. Still, the early returns on his signing by GM Reggie McKenzie are poor. Just as he was in Philadelphia, Allen was an injury-ravaged liability his first season in Oakland. Allen is owed a $4.9 million base salary in 2016.

It’s not a good sign, especially for a player in Allen with a ruptured patellar tendon in his history. Allen’s new knee injury might be severe.

Allen is getting more tests today, but he is likely done for the season. With Charles Woodson (shoulder) also banged up, the Raiders are very thin at safety.

If there’s good news, it’s that Allen has obviously avoided a torn ACL if the Raiders are counting on him coming back this season. The exact nature of Allen’s knee issue remains unclear. The Raiders’ safety corps was already one of the league’s thinnest before Allen’s injury. He’s first eligible to return in Week 10.

Opposing wideouts and tight ends torched Allen last season, but that didn’t stop Oakland from pursuing him. He’ll play free safety alongside veteran SS Charles Woodson. Brandian Ross will likely move to a reserve role now that Allen has joined the secondary. The money Oakland paid Allen is probably even beyond his agent’s wildest dreams. Folks in Philly are chuckling.

Allen missed eight weeks with a knee injury earlier this season, but has been active since Week 10. Coach Jack Del Rio said they expect to know more Monday.