Tyvon Branch Cut by Raiders: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Oakland Raiders cut veteran safety Tyvon Branch Thursday, per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora.

Branch took to social media to thank the Raiders organization and fans:

On March 3, the Raiders confirmed the transaction. 

Although Branch has been limited to five games over the past two seasons, most were surprised to see the Raiders parted ways with the 28-year-old. Between 2009 and 2012, when he started 62 games for the team, Branch had 421 combined tackles and three interceptions.

Back in July 2012, he and Oakland agreed to a four-year extension worth $26.6 million, with the team restructuring the deal a year later.

ESPN.com's Adam Caplan provided the salary-cap impact Branch's release will have:

La Canfora wonders if the Raiders are gearing up to be big spenders in free agency:

Some might see this move as Oakland cutting off its nose to spite its face. Although the Raiders are opening up some more cap space, they now have a hole to fill in the secondary.

As La Canfora notes, Branch probably won't stay a free agent for long. If he can stay healthy in 2015, he should provide a major impact for his next team.