Raiders Protect Allen, Robinson; Rams’ Irvin, Johnson Free Agents

NFL clubs today released their lists of unprotected Plan B free agents, and as expected, the Raiders protected running back Marcus Allen and middle linebacker Jerry Robinson.

The Rams elected not to protect veteran defensive backs LeRoy Irvin and Johnnie Johnson and kickers Mike Lansford and Dale Hatcher.

Under the terms of the restricted free agency plan, the NFL clubs can protect 37 of their 52 players under contract at the end of the season. Those not protected can negotiate with any other team until April 1 and not be subject to NFL compensation rules. Unprotected players may also choose to remain with their present teams.

There had been speculation that Allen’s injuries and problems with Al Davis, and Robinson’s age might keep them off the list.

Allen played only eight games last season after suffering a knee injury. He is about to turn 30 and made $1.1 million last season. Moreover, Davis was unhappy about his holdout last summer. But Raiders coach Art Shell, who admires Allen and knows the respect the players have for him, reportedly argued for him.

Robinson is 33 and reportedly earned $700,000 last season. But he is regarded as the most talented Raider linebacker and was deemed too valuable to risk losing.

The Rams protected both veteran linebacker Mel Owens and tight end Pete Holohan. There had been speculation late this week that one of the two would not be protected.

Irvin, 32, a 10-year veteran with the Rams, is regarded as likely to announce his retirement soon.

The Rams had told Lansford that they would not protect him, knowing that he is happy in Los Angeles and not likely to seek employment elsewhere.

The Rams’ complete list of unprotected players: center Kurt Becker, wide receiver Ron Brown, linebacker Paul Butcher, running back Mel Farr, Hatcher, backup quarterback Mark Herrmann, defensive backs Cliff Hicks, Irvin and Johnson, kicker Lansford, center Micke McDonald, linebacker Mark Messner, defensive tackle Shawn Miller, guard Tony Slayton, center Doug Smith and defensive back James Washington.

The Raiders’ list of unprotected players: Defensive backs Stefon Adams and Russell Carter, running back and kick returner Bobby Joe Edmonds, defensive back Mike Harden, tackle Newt Harrell, defensive back Mike Haynes, guard Dale Hellestrae, linebacker Ricky Hunley, tight end Trey Junken, linebackers Emanuel King and Linden King, center Bill Lewis, defensive end Mark Mraz, running backs Kerry Porter and Steve Strachan and wide receiver Timmie Ware.