NFL Oakland Raiders

The 5 Biggest Oakland Raiders Rumors Heading into January

The 5 Biggest Raiders Rumors Right Now

Latavius Murray Cover
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a long season for the Oakland Raiders, who currently sit at 3-12 with nothing to look forward to other than the offseason. That, however, doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty going on with one of the worst overall teams in the NFL. There are plenty of moving parts with this team, which is desperately attempting to return to relevance.

With that in mind, here are some of the biggest Raiders rumors right now.

Raiders Are Still Most Likely to Move to LA

Raiders Stadium
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders Are Still Most Likely to Move to LA

Raiders Stadium
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It was announced on Sunday that the Raiders had come to terms on a one-year deal to stay at O.co Coliseum. While it’s clear they won’t be taking the trip south in 2015, the Raiders are still believed to be the most likely team to move to Los Angeles when all is said and done. It’s unsure when it’ll happen, but there’s a good chance the Silver and Black will be back in SoCal in the next couple of years.

Tony Sparano Could Have ‘Interim’ Tag Removed

Tony Sparano
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Sparano Could Have ‘Interim’ Tag Removed

Tony Sparano
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

As we all know by now, the Raiders have set their sights on Jim Harbaugh as their next head coach. If he opts to head back to the college ranks, though, Oakland might not like their other options. Seeing as that could very well be the case, they could choose to simply stick with Sparano as their short-term head coach until other options arise. He might not be “interim” for much longer…

Murray is Raiders’ Running Back of the Future

Latavius Murray
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Murray is Raiders’ Running Back of the Future

Latavius Murray
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders have been looking for a running back capable of giving them a consistent threat in the ground game, and appear to have found it with Murray. The sophomore back has enjoyed a breakout second half of the season, and has rendered Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew irrelevant. As long as he can stay healthy, Murray could have a bright future in Oakland (or Los Angeles).

Reggie McKenzie is Here to Stay

Reggie McKenzie
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Reggie McKenzie is Here to Stay

Reggie McKenzie
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

There’s a belief throughout the building that, due to his success in this past year’s draft and fact that Sparano has somewhat turned around the 2014 season, McKenzie will be retained in 2015. While there are more than a few Raiders fans who wouldn’t be happy about this move, it’s the safe move – if Oakland can’t lure Harbaugh. If Harbaugh is hired, though, expect McKenzie to be out of a job.

Raiders Targeting Amari Cooper in 2015 NFL Draft

Amari Cooper
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders Targeting Amari Cooper in 2015 NFL Draft

Amari Cooper
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

With their three late-season wins, the Raiders have gone from the first overall pick to fifth. Seeing as they’re still devoid of a true No. 1 receiver and want to arm Derek Carr with more weapons, it’s easy to understand why they’ve recently turned their attention to Alabama’s Amari Cooper. The big, physical receiver has the speed to stretch the field and size to create mismatches, which makes him an outstanding target for Oakland.

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