The Raiders will release Austin Howard, one of their big free-agent signings from the 2014 offseason. The offensive lineman was informed of his release just before training camp, according to a league source.

Howard confirmed the separation on social media with an early Friday morning post:

OAKLAND!!! A lifetime of memories have been made these past three years, and I am grateful for… https://t.co/1AqbM3WaRU — Austin Howard (@AustinHoward68) July 28, 2017

Howard was scheduled to make $4.9 million in base salary this season, with $2.4 million in dead money against the salary cap. The Raiders can afford the cap hit, but will enjoy the slowing salary cash flow in 2017.

Howard inked a five-year, $30 million contract with the Raiders early in the unrestricted free agent signing period. Howard played right guard in his first season, but moved to tackle in the following two years. He made 39 starts in three seasons in silver and black, mostly at right tackle.

Howard played 2016 under duress. He worked through an ankle issue early that year and had offseason shoulder surgery that impacted him throughout the Raiders offseason program.

He regained health recently after missing the offseason program, but the Raiders chose to part ways with the veteran and focus on other options at right tackle. Marshall Newhouse has pole position in the competition, but Vadal Alexander will challenge him for a starting spot. Rookie forth-round pick David Sharpe will also compete.

The crop of talent left Howard with too-high a salary entering a tight position battle, and expendable.

The Raiders will have two spots available on their 90-man roster following the release of Howard and running back Taiwan Jones.

Here is Howard's full Instagram post: