ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Looking for the catalyst of the Oakland Raiders' massive haul this offseason, a spree in which they landed 20 new players and re-signed 12 of their own while doling out almost $110 million in guaranteed money to four players?
Coach Jon Gruden has an inkling, even if, as he says, it pains him and Khalil Mack fans to say it. Yes, the trade of the All-Pro edge rusher on Sept. 1 in the middle of Mack's holdout netted not only a gaggle of draft picks and salary-cap space, but also some intriguing hardware.