The trade of former Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack was a rough way to start the 2018 campaign, according to offensive tackle Donald Penn. He talked to NFL media’s Lindsey Rhodes about the fallout from the blockbuster deal.
“No matter what nobody says, we tried to overcome it. But when you trade your best player away in the beginning of the year, it takes a toll on guys,” Penn said, as transcribed by NFL media’s Nick Shook. “Whether they say it or not. We fought through it. We tried to stay together. It was a tough season.”
Mack and his new team, the Bears, played on Sunday night to start the season while the Raiders were waiting to play Monday against the Rams. The Raiders watched from their hotel room as Mack put on a display of defensive prowess in front of a national audience.
Former Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper said the team had to have a team meeting about Mack’s performance. Some on the team questioned the franchise’s motives behind the deal.
But Penn, a 12-year veteran, said the team has turned the page and is ready to fight for coach Jon Gruden. Gruden signed a 10-year, $100 million contract to come out of retirement and coach the team and is generally credited with trading Mack.
“But at the end of the day … That’s a business decision that’s made. I’m behind Gruden. Guys are behind Gruden. We’re ready to get to work and turn this thing around,” Penn said, per Shook.
While it’s positive news that Penn, and likely more veterans on the team, are ready to lead a Raiders resurgence, the club needs an influx of young talent to do the heavy lifting. Oakland has four draft picks in the first 35 selections of the upcoming NFL draft, including the No. 4 overall choice, and they could be in the market for a pass rusher to pick up where Mack left off.
