NFL rumors: Cowboys wanted trade, Davante Adams almost-destination, Raiders lost money
- The Raiders are paying a tremendous amount to fire Josh McDaniels
- One team really wanted Davante Adams
- Despite playing as if it was unimportant, the Cowboys were firmly in the trade market
By Josh Wilson
Raiders put money on the line to fix mistakes
The Las Vegas Raiders made drastic decisions to completely overhaul the organization mid-season when they fired general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels. Along with those two notable firings, the team also cleaned house by firing plenty of McDaniels's assistant coaches.
In total, the Raiders spent around $85 million in early contract terminations according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Schefter notes that the funds aren't all due now -- they'll be paid out over the coming years -- but it's a steep price to pay regardless of when.
Bear in mind, McDaniels was the replacement for Jon Gruden, who was the original coach hired to lead this current era. Non-football circumstances led to his firing, but the locker room and organizational culture was showing signs of fracture even before Gruden was more or less forced to resign.
Financial considerations aside, it's crucial that owner Mark Davis gets the next executive and head coaching hire right. The team is now on two consecutive failed head coaches in a row in what was supposed to be an exciting era for the historic and revered franchise. The team just recently moved to Las Vegas and has yet to achieve anything notable in its new very expensive house in Sin City.
Money is where the mouth is here. $85 million was worth it to Davis to even get the opportunity to re-assess important decision-making roles within the organization.