INDIANAPOLIS _ Raiders coach Jon Gruden apparently is sick of talking about how unpopular the Khalil Mack trade was with his team's fans.
The Raiders traded Mack to the Bears in September for four draft picks, including first-round picks in 2019 and 2020. Mack went on to total 12{ sacks and 18 quarterback hits in a first-team All-Pro season.
During a session with Oakland beat reporters at the NFL combine Thursday, Gruden "bristled" when asked about fans' view of the move, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
"I get tired of you bringing that up, Khalil Mack," Gruden said. "We made the trade for a lot of reasons _ whether it was popular or not. We did what we had to do in that situation. The fans that aren't happy we're really sorry about that. We really are truly sorry. And I'm sorry."
The Raiders, who finished 4-12, now have three first-round picks _ Nos. 4, 24 and 27 _ for a chance to build some good vibes with fans. But Gruden acknowledged to the reporters "it's hard to replace a guy like (Mack)."
"And it's sensitive, man," Gruden said. "I'm still sensitive about it. I'm happy for Mack. Shoot, I'm really thrilled for him and his future and all of that. He's a hard guy to replace and we'll do everything we can."
The first-round pick the Raiders received from the Bears this year is not as high as might have been expected since the NFC North champion Bears finished 12-4. Gruden said that doesn't change his view of the trade.
"We have no control over what happens really other than what we do with the pick," he said.
