Raiders News: Jon Gruden Admits It Was ‘Hard’ To Trade Khalil Mack To Bears

Corey Hansford
Corey Hansford
2 Min Read
Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders have not gotten off to a great start for the 2018 NFL season with a disappointing 0-3 record. Head coach Jon Gruden’s squad has struggled on both ends, but it was a move made before the season began that still has many fans shaking their heads.

The Raiders traded away Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears after the two sides were unable to come to terms on a contract extension. Gruden has taken the blunt of the blame and with Mack thriving so far in Chicago, the frustration has continued to rise among the fans.

Gruden spoke about the decision to deal Mack, admitting that it was hard to part with one of the team’s best players, especially when they are only getting draft picks in return, according to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

Balancing the need to win immediately with doing what is best for the franchise long-term is an extremely difficult task. The Raiders got an impressive haul of draft picks for Mack which should help the team long-term, but in the short-term, they lost one of their best players and got no one back to help replace him.

In two years, the Raiders could look back on this deal as a huge success depending on who they select in the NFL Draft, but for the time being, the Raiders are hurting on the field while Mack dominates for the Bears.

Through three weeks, Mack has more sacks by himself (four) than the Raiders team has a whole (three), while also totaling three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and an interception returned for a touchdown.

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Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.