New Raiders coach Lane Kiffin made his first major decisions as head coach Friday when he cut veterans Brad Badger and Lance Johnstone.
Badger, a guard, and Johnstone, a defensive end, have been valuable backups on the team for the past couple of years. Badger has been able to back up at guard along with being a candidate to fill in at tackle when needed. Johnstone has been a third-down pass-rusher and a backup defensive end.
Age was obviously a factor in Kiffin's decision. Johnstone is 33. Badger is 32. Their releases save the Raiders approximately $1.6 million.
John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.