Howie Long, the legendary Raiders defensive end and current FOX analyst, interviewed Jon Gruden this week heading into Thursday night's 49ers-Raiders clash at Levi's Stadium.
And, as usual, the Raiders coach was fired up.
That was clear in a clip released Thursday morning promoting an extended sit-down that will air on the FOX pregame show, which shows Gruden discussing a bright Raiders future.
Gruden has tons of salary cap space after trading Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper -- those two would've demanded expensive contracts -- and Gruden told Long that he's already hearing from people who want to join the Silver and Black and be part of his long-term vision.
"I've got a cell phone just like you and everybody else, and I get a lot of phone calls from people who are dying to play for the Raiders," said Gruden, who's 1-6 to start his second tenure. "I'm just telling you, they're dying to play for the Raiders. To have salary cap space, to have a chance to talk to the people you really want in Silver and Black and represent this team, that's exciting."
Never mind that calls from people dying to play for the Raiders would constitute tampering. Let's focus on his greater point: Gruden has the draft picks and financial flexibility to mold this roster as he sees fit. Expect significant turnover on this roster as Gruden continues to execute his long-term strategy and find proper fits for his offensive and defensive schemes.
