While Super Bowl LI is set for Sunday, offseason speculation has begun for the other 30 NFL teams. The NFL offseason ahead will involve many drastic changes, as all six coaching vacancies have been filled (minus the inevitable Shanahan hire).
However, the Oakland Raiders may very well capture the spotlight throughout spring and summer, with their ongoing situation regarding their possible relocation. Over the past two days both Sheldon Adelson and Goldman Sachs have pulled out of the proposed $1.9 billion stadium, citing differences with Mark Davis and the organization.
With the Las Vegas status up in the air, it leaves speculation regarding a possible return to the Oakland Coliseum and other potential suitors. Tuesday night brought about some interesting news, as it appears one city is making a late push to talk to NFL officials about the Raiders, via Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune:
In fact, San Diego officials are intrigued enough by the possibility of becoming an NFL town again sooner than later that two people at City Hall reached out to NFL officials in the wake of news about the Raiders’ Vegas bid being imperiled.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer spoke with an NFL official to let the league know the city is eager to engage when appropriate. And multiple sources said another person representing the city exchanged calls with a Raiders official, though it is not clear whether the sides spoke.
While the city of San Diego still mourns the lose of their beloved Chargers (Los Angeles), city officials were proactive and made an attempt to bring about a possible quick return for football.
Alas, the Raiders still have an opportunity to figure out a potential Las Vegas deal, as they attempt to found other investors. Since Davis and the organization have filed the paperwork, there is no other deadline to wait for.
Moving forward, this means Davis has enough time he desires before the beginning of next season to find a solution. If no conclusion were reached by then (or beforehand), Davis has an opportunity to discuss a possible return to Oakland or a relocation to another city such as San Diego.
Once the Super Bowl hoopla dies down, more news will be revealed regarding the Raiders, San Diego and the ongoing situation with Las Vegas.