Oakland Raiders: Jon Gruden Has Not Spoken With Khalil Mack
By Erik Lambert
The situation between the Oakland Raiders and star pass rusher Khalil Mack seems to be deteriorating by the day, with no end in sight.
One day after it became clear that Mack would be sitting out the start of training camp, a report surfaced that shed even further light on how dangerous a game the Raiders are playing. It would seem, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, that head coach Jon Gruden has yet to even get in contact with Mack. Keep in mind he was hired in January, so over a span of seven months, he has not gotten in contact with the best player on his team.
Interesting fact of day: Jon Gruden and Oakland DE Khalil Mack have not spoken once since the Raiders hired their new head coach in January. No contact between two men who should be vital this season for the Raiders.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2018
This is merely the latest in a series of rather puzzling roster decisions the Raiders have made since Gruden took over. It’s well-known that the head coach was granted complete autonomy over the franchise. Not only does he coach the team on the field, but he also has full control of the 53-man roster. That means the man who drafted Mack, GM Reggie McKenzie, has no control over the teams’ dealing with the All-Pro defensive end.
It’s on Gruden, and he’s a wild card.
Gruden is a no-nonsense guy as his roster decisions have reflected
More from NFL Hot Takes
- 4 promising first-round receivers to watch in NFL preseason Week 3
- Should Trey Lance be considered an NFL draft bust?
- Jonathan Taylor trade rumors: 3 most alluring fits for Colts star running back
- Falcons rookie Bijan Robinson might be the RB1 in Fantasy Football
- The rise of C.J. Stroud; No. 2 overall pick ready to lead Texans?
One thing about Gruden that’s become apparent over the years is he doesn’t have a lot of patience. He expects, even demands results quickly from his players. The problem is he’s taking that same mindset into the front office, and it could end up costing the team one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. His roster decisions up to this point reflect his attitude. Michael Crabtree, David Amerson, and Denico Autry were allowed to leave. These were all productive players last season but also seeking new deals.
Gruden is clearly showing his lack of experience in contract negotiation. Communication is one of the most vital components. This might explain why the Raiders were so lukewarm in their free agency run this year. They failed to land any prime names on the market, instead settling for a number of second and third-tier names. The head coach, for all his intelligence on how to run a team, knowing how to build and maintain one is proving a totally different challenge.
Mack wants to feel appreciated after all he’s done. Gruden, by not talking to him, has sent a loud and clear message about where the new Raiders stance is. It may already be too late for the two sides to clear up this problem.