PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Linebacker Anthony Bell Released

Linebacker Anthony Bell went from a starting role with the Raiders last season to a reserve role in exhibitions to no role Tuesday.

Bell and receiver Sam Graddy, traded to the Rams, headed a list of 20 players who were cut as the Raiders reached the limit of 60.

Tight end David Jones, a two-year veteran, was traded to the Cleveland Browns for past considerations.

As a seven-year veteran, Bell automatically becomes a free agent. Signed as a Plan B free agent in 1992 after playing with the Phoenix Cardinals and Detroit Lions, Bell played in all 16 games with the Raiders last season, starting five at middle linebacker.

“It was a shock,” he said of his release. “I don’t know what their plans are, but I guess I just don’t fit in.”

Those plans are to use Joe Kelly, the former New York Jet signed as a free agent in the off-season, at middle linebacker.

“Joe Kelly has really stood out,” Raider Coach Art Shell said. “He’s been very aggressive in there.”

Also cut were linebackers Brian Jones, A.J. Jimerson and Glen Young, receiver John Morton, running back Randy Jordan, defensive backs Bryan Addison, Dennis Johnson, Darren Butler and Cary Brabham, defensive linemen Alberto White, Joe Caspers, Jon Baker and Akili Calhoun, and offensive linemen Tim Rother and Ben Jefferson.

The Raiders also put defensive lineman Elston Ridgle, who has a foot injury, on injured reserve, ending his season.

The Raiders must cut down to 47 players next Monday, but may then add 11 players Tuesday. Five will form the practice squad and six of the remaining 53 will be inactive each week.

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Tuesday’s trade between the Rams and the Raiders is the first between them since 1990 when the Rams sent running back Greg Bell to the Raiders for a fourth-round draft choice. Gerald Perry left the Rams for the Raiders last spring as a free agent.