ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Raiders freed up $8.3 million in salary-cap room Monday by releasing veteran left offensive tackle Kwame Harris and veteran fullback Justin Griffith.

Harris was due a $6 million roster bonus early next week and a $1 million base salary for 2009. However, he became expendable late last season because of his inconsistent play.

Second-year player Mario Henderson replaced Harris in the starting lineup and held up well against some of the league's big-name defensive ends.

Harris led the league in false-start penalties and also allowed too many sacks for coach Tom Cable's liking.

Griffith sustained a season-ending knee injury late in a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 26 when he got hit by middle linebacker Ray Lewis near the goal line.

Releasing Griffith saves the Raiders $1.1 million against this year's cap. It also clears the way for third-year player Oren O'Neal to assume the starting job.

O'Neal sustained a season-ending knee injury in an exhibition game and missed the entire season. He still is recovering and isn't expected back at full strength until training camp.

It's conceivable that Harris and/or Griffith will be re-signed at a later date, if not at a reduced salary. Cable could not be reached for comment.

Henderson is the projected starter for the time being. That could change if the Raiders select an offensive tackle with their first pick in the NFL Draft on April 25-26.

The Raiders have until 9 p.m. PDT Thursday to be in compliance with the salary cap. It is projected at $123 million, a $7 million increase from last season.

Re-signing punter Shane Lechler and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha cost the Raiders approximately $16 million against the cap this year, so they needed to free up room so that they have enough money to sign more of their own free agents and their six draft picks, as well as any of the free agents from other teams that interest them.