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.

Lofton (ankle) made seven tackles (six solo) in Monday night's loss to the Ravens.

Lofton had racked up double-digit stops in each of his previous two games, so Monday's performance was disappointing, particularly given the run-heavy nature of Baltimore's offense. Still, Lofton continues to chug along for fantasy owners, reaching the 100-tackle plateau for the sixth consecutive season. Even against the pass-happy Steelers in Week 13, Lofton should be almost an automatic start for IDP owners in most leagues.

Lofton (ankle) is listed as active for Monday's game against the Ravens, the Saints' official site reports.

Feel free to roll with Lofton as you normally would this week in IDP formats. The linebacker has racked up 93 tackles in 10 games to date.

Lofton (ankle) is probable for Monday's game.

He was a limited participant in Saturday's practice, but is expected to take the field against the Ravens on Monday night.

Lofton (ankle) was limited in practice Friday.

Lofton should be ready for Monday's game against the Ravens given that he played through the injury a week ago, piling up 11 tackles. He's one of the league's toughest and most durable players.

Lofton (ankle) is active for Sunday's contest versus the Bengals, the Saints' official site reports.

Lofton will avoid the first DNP of his six-plus professional seasons, leaving him on course to uphold his 9.1 tackles per game from the current campaign.

Lofton (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against Cincinnati.

Lofton logged a limited practice Friday, but it looks like he's legitimately questionable for Sunday. It's worth mentioning that Lofton is extremely durable -- he has never missed a game in his seven seasons -- so he's harder to doubt than most players would be in this situation.

Lofton (ankle) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, the Saints' official site reports.

Lofton is again a tackling fiend, reaching double digits in four of nine games so far this season. IDP owners should keep a watchful eye on his activity level as the week progresses to make sure he's available Sunday versus the Bengals.

Lofton made 10 tackles (six solo) in Sunday's loss to the 49ers.

After posting modest numbers in his previous two contests - seven tackles vs. Carolina and nine tackles vs. Green Bay - Lofton was back in the double-digits on Sunday against the run-oriented 49ers. As usual, Lofton doesn't offer much in the way of ancillary stats, but he's a consistent source for tackles and has another opportunity to post solid numbers in Week 11 against another run-heavy offense, Cincinnati.

Lofton made 16 tackles (13 solo) in Sunday's loss to the Lions.

The 16 tackles were Lofton's most since recording 19 stops in September 2009 as a member of the Falcons. He's now hit double-digit tackles in three of the Saints' six contests, and with 56 tackles already, he's well on his way to a sixth consecutive 100-plus tackle campaign.

Lofton (shoulder) is listed as active Sunday against the Buccaneers, the Saints' official site reports.

A reliable source of tackles, Lofton's shoulder concern hasn't stopped him from increasing his total in the category each of the past three games, settling at a season-best 11 (nine solo) last Sunday against the Cowboys.

Lofton (shoulder) is probable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Lofton's shoulder injury is a non-issue as he practiced all week, including a full practice Friday. He's at least an LB2 in most formats almost every week.

Lofton (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday, the Saints' official site reports.

Lofton emerged from Week 1 with a shoulder injury, but he's gutted it out, even posting a season-best 11 tackles (nine solo) in Sunday night's loss in Dallas. With 35 total tackles on the ledger, he sits in a tie for 12th in the NFL.