Reggie McKenzie signs four-year extension with Oakland Raiders
By John Buhler
Reggie McKenzie has done a marvelous job in rebuilding the Oakland Raiders football team. He has earned a four-year extension as the team’s general manager.
According to senior insider Eddie Paskal of Raiders.com, Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis has “elected to the contract of general manager Reggie McKenzie for an additional four years.”
Davis made the announcement during a Raiders’ alumni gathering in Napa Valley late on Friday night. McKenzie will be under contract with the Raiders through the 2021 NFL Draft.
While it has still been well over a decade since the Raiders have even made the AFC Playoffs, there is a growing sense that Oakland could end their playoff drought this winter, as McKenzie has done a phenomenal job of constructing this high-upside Raiders roster of his the last few years.
The rise of McKenzie as one of the NFL’s best general managers and the pragmatic, hands-off approach to Davis’ ownership style, as opposed to the perpetual undermining often showcase by his late father Al Davis, should do wonders for Oakland’s playoff chances these next several years.
Not only does Oakland have one of the best rosters in football, but most of its core has yet to even enter its prime. Quarterback Derek Carr, outside linebacker Khalil Mack, wide receiver Amari Cooper, and offensive lineman Gabe Jackson are all Pro Bowl caliber players still on their rookie deals with Oakland.
Entering 2016, the Raiders will feature arguably the best offensive line in the NFL, outside of maybe the NFC East’s Dallas Cowboys. Along with their arch rival Kansas City Chiefs, the Raiders should contend for the AFC West crown, as the Super Bowl 50 Champion Denver Broncos will presumably take a step back in 2016.
McKenzie has been the focal point of the Raiders’ massive turnaround since taking over the general manager position back in 2012. The Raiders are rising. McKenzie has been instrumental in their ascendance and has absolutely earned his multi-year extension with Oakland.
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