When the Oakland Raiders traded star linebacker Khalil Mack before the start of the 2018 campaign, Raiders fans were livid, questioning how Jon Gruden could possibly deal away the team's best player.
But, here we are, in March 2019, and the trade doesn't look too bad.
Not only did the Raiders nab a pair of first-round draft picks in the deal, but by trading Mack, Oakland was able to open up enough cap space to add the likes of Antonio Brown, Trent Brown and Lamarcus Joyner—among others—this offseason.
As a result, the Raiders are now looking pretty nice going into the 2019 campaign, and recognizing that, MIT has awarded Oakland with the best transaction of 2018 for the Mack deal.
As for Gruden's reaction to the honor? He had this little quip:
“I do know we got the award. I think it was the only award we got last year,” he said, according to Michael Gehlken of The Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Gruden, who also said that he cried for three days after trading Mack, added that he wanted to coach the 28-year-old, but understood that dealing him would open the door for future moves and draft picks.
Mack went on to have a spectacular year for the Bears, racking up 47 tackles, 12.5 sacks, an interception, six forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries, four passes defended and a defensive touchdown in 14 games, en route to a Pro Bowl appearance and First-Team All-Pro honors.
The Fort Pierce, Fl. native, who played his collegiate football at Buffalo, was originally selected by the Raiders with the fifth overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.
He made three Pro Bowls and earned a pair of First-Team All-Pro selections during his time in the Bay.
Follow Us
Subscribe