Oakland Raiders Training Camp: Helu on IR, Aldon Smith in Rehab
Mark Davis Extends General Manager Reggie McKenzie’s Contract
According to CSNBayArea.com reporter Scott Bair, owner Mark Davis extended McKenzie’s contract four more years:
Just got off the phone w/Mark Davis, who confirmed that Reggie McKenzie has been given a 4-year contract extension. "He has 5 more drafts"
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) July 30, 2016
Mark Davis made McKenzie extension announcement at Alumni gala, in front of former Raiders. "I wanted to tell them 1st. Reggie's earned it."
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) July 30, 2016
McKenzie has also earned most of the fans’ trust. He took over an 8-8 team headed in the wrong direction with bad contracts, underachievers and limited draft picks.
After two rough drafts, McKenzie selected Mack, Carr, offensive guard Gabe Jackson and defensive tackle Justin Ellis with consecutive picks in 2014. They’re all slated to start this season. The Raiders general manager also picked defensive back T.J. Carrie in the seventh round of the same draft. The third-year pro will play an instrumental role at the slot cornerback position in the upcoming season.
McKenzie continued to pull in special talents in 2015. He’s armed the passing offense with a dynamic wideout in Amari Cooper. Then, he followed that up with a heavily scrutinized pick, defensive end Mario Edwards, who exceeded expectations as a rookie.
Don’t forget the gamble on waived cornerback David Amerson, which paid off in defensive coordinator Ken Norton’s scheme.
For once in a long time, Oakland has stability and a promising future. Davis made the smart move to keep the architect in position to witness the Raiders’ resurgence with a recommitment to excellence.