Lofton, currently an unrestricted free agent, said Thursday he underwent offseason ankle and knee surgeries, Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite an offseason filled with recovering from surgeries, Lofton is not ready to hang up his cleats as the 30-year-old hopes to sign with a team prior to training camp with the intention of playing throughout the 2016 season. He tallied 64 tackles and one sack in nine starts with the Raiders during his 2015 campaign, proving he can still add value to a linebacker corps.

Lofton was released by the Raiders on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Lofton signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Raiders last offseason, but is released just one year later Friday with a failed physical designation. In his lone season in Oakland, the veteran linebacker totaled 64 tackles and one sack in nine starts. Yet to miss a single game across his eight-year career, Lofton will now look to land somewhere prior to training camp.

The Raiders have signed Lofton (shoulder), ESPN.com reports. Lofton, who ranked fourth in the NFL with 144 tackles this past season while with New Orleans, is now slated to man the Raiders' middle linebacker slot, an assignment that will allow the 28-year-old to maintain IDP relevance, assuming his health. Per ESPN.com, Lofton, who had minor arthroscopic shoulder surgery in January, is on track to be medically cleared within two to three weeks.

The Saints have released Lofton, ESPN.com reports. Per the report, cutting Lofton can save the salary cap-challenged Saints at least $4.25 million against their cap this coming season. The 29-year-old linebacker should have little trouble finding a new gig in free agency, however, coming off a 2014 campaign in which he racked up 144 tackles in 16 games.

Lofton was spotted at a Pelicans game with his arm in a protective sling, Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Advocate reports. Lofton declined to answer when asked whether he underwent some sort of procedure. It seems more likely than not that he did, but with the Saints failing to make any kind of announcement, Lofton is likely just dealing with a minor issue. He piled up 145 tackles (100 solo) over 16 games in 2014, and while an offseason release would provide the Saints with some cap relief, a contract restructure appears to be the more likely scenario.

Lofton finished the year with 145 tackles (100 solo) in 16 games, playing 995 of the Saints' 1,021 defensive snaps, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. Lofton has now notched over 100 tackles in six straight season, and though he isn't much of a pass rusher (only seven career sacks), his biggest attribute may be his ability to stay healthy, as he's never missed a game in his seven-year NFL career. Though he's due $7 million in salary and bonuses and has a cap cost of $9 million, it's likely the Saints will find a way to restructure his contract in order to alleviate some of their salary-cap burdens. Assuming he remains a Saint, Lofton can be counted on as one of the most reliable IDP options for owners in need of tackles.

Lofton (ankle) made ten tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's win against the Steelers. Another day, another solid tackle performance by Lofton. As long as he's healthy - Lofton has never missed a game in his six-year NFL career - Lofton should continue to be an excellent option for IDP owners in need of tackles, even if he offers few ancillary stats.

Lofton (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Steelers. Lofton continues to play through the ankle ailment, racking up seven tackles just a week ago. With 100 tackles through 11 games, he remains an excellent IDP option.

Lofton (ankle) is probable for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. Lofton continues to demonstrate excellent durability and toughness, playing through the injury a week ago while piling up seven tackles. He's an LB1 in most IDP scenarios.

Lofton (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, the Saints' official site reports. With seven more tackles on the ledger Monday against the Ravens, Lofton reached the 100-tackle threshold for the sixth year in a row. Because the Saints' upcoming opponent, the Steelers, boast a balanced offense, he's a great bet to put up his sixth double-digit tackle performance of the season.