The Raiders have waived Giorgio Tavecchio, a league source told NBC Sports Bay Area on Friday evening.
The surprise move came after the team’s incumbent kicker had a solid practice, rebounding from a somewhat slow start to training camp.
Tavecchio was in a position battle with undrafted rookie Eddy Pineiro, an undrafted free agent from Florida the Raiders nearly took in the seventh round. Pineiro received a significant signing bonus and turned pro with a massive leg and a strong track record in the SEC, despite relative inexperience playing football.
Head coach Jon Gruden said the kicker competition would extend into preseason games, with a victor decided as the summer wore on.