The Oakland Raiders are currently tied for the second-longest active playoff drought in the NFL at 13 years, behind only the Buffalo Bills. The team's accumulation of young talent suggests the light is finally appearing at the end of the tunnel, though.
Led by quarterback Derek Carr and linebacker Khalil Mack, the Raiders finally have the foundation in place to start building toward long-term success. They emerged from last season's 7-9 campaign with a lot of positives to build off heading into 2016.
They supplemented that progress with the addition of several free agents, including offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele, linebacker Bruce Irvin ...
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Felix Doubront underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday.
Continue for updates.
Doubront's Estimated Recovery Time Is 12-18 Months
Tuesday, April 12
Jane Lee of MLB.com reported Doubront's surgery was successful, and the pitcher will begin his rehab on Friday. Doubront's wife posted a photo of the pitcher on Twitter after the procedure:
On Monday, the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser noted the timetable for Doubront's eventual return, based on the span often associated with those undergoing Tommy John surgery for the first time.
The 28-year-old southpaw began his career with the Boston Red Sox but has bounced around a lot since 2014 in brief ...
The Oakland Athletics finished off a three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners with a 2-1 win on the road Sunday night and prepared to hop on a plane to return home for a series against the Los Angeles Angels.
However, outfielder Josh Reddick wasn't thrilled to fly on this particular aircraft:
It's hard to blame him, considering the rival San Francisco Giants logo was plastered across the front of it. The Giants noticed Reddick's post and decided to have some fun of their own on Twitter, but Reddick wasn't willing to let it go without again voicing his disapproval:
As far as Twitter beefs ...
For the better part of the past 15 years, the Oakland Raiders have been an NFL punchline. "Commitment to Excellence" gave way to a "Commitment to Excrement" for a team that was once one of the most feared in the AFC.
Well, now the laughter is coming from Oakland instead of at it. The team showed real signs of improvement during the 2015 season, and after a productive free-agency period, the Raiders prepare for the 2016 draft poised as genuine contenders in the AFC West for the first time in a long time.
The latest move came Wednesday. As ESPN's Adam Schefter ...
The Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed many key free agents this offseason, but they just lost one. The Oakland Raiders announced they have signed star safety Reggie Nelson.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the contract is a two-year deal. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the deal is worth up to $12 million, noting the Bengals "were still in the mix until late."
Despite the fact that Nelson is 32 years old, his 2015 season showed he has plenty of good football left in him. He tied the NFL lead with eight interceptions and defended 14 passes in addition to racking up 77 tackles.
With his big-hitting ability ...
Oakland Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray is suffering from food poisoning and was unable to make Monday's Opening Day start against the Chicago White Sox. Rich Hill started in Gray's place. However, he's ready to return.
Continue for updates.
Gray Will Start vs. White Sox
Tuesday, April 5
Gray said he will be on the mound Wednesday against Chicago, per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Gray Is Dominant Force at Top of Oakland's Rotation
Gray will resume his role as the ace of Oakland's rotation and gives the A's their best opportunity to win every fifth day. The 26-year-old is one of the best pitchers ...
Despite still serving a one-year suspension, free-agent linebacker Aldon Smith agreed to return to the Oakland Raiders on Monday.
Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported the agreement, with Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirming the report, noting it is a two-year deal. Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports reported the deal is worth $11 million with a max of $19.5 based on "sack and Pro Bowl incentives."
ESPN's Field Yates noted on Tuesday that Smith will receive $250,000 for each game in which he is on the 53-man roster in both 2016 and 2017.
The Raiders have since confirmed their deal with Smith.
Smith, ...
The NFL is reportedly becoming more open to the idea of the Oakland Raiders relocating to Las Vegas.
Continue for updates.
Raiders' Las Vegas Move Would Clear Path for Chargers to Los Angeles
Monday, April 4
Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported the buzz on how the Raiders could resolve their long-term future, affording the San Diego Chargers the flexibility to move elsewhere in California.
Cole also reported Oakland owner Mark Davis is concerned about whether fans will support the Raiders for the long haul if they move to Las Vegas, and whether the city can sustain the storied franchise.
The Chargers are staying in San Diego for ...