There was no way Kenyan Drake was going to be playing this season with a cap hit of $8.25 million. That left the Raiders with a decision to make. Either they attempt to restructure his deal or cut him.
Cutting him outright would have saved them $2.75 million. But it also would leave behind $5.5 million and have them immediately in need of a replacement at the position.
For that reason, if they could swing it, a restructure would also make sense.