Raiders acquire QB Christian Hackenberg from Jets
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Christian Hackenberg spent his offseason developing a new throwing motion.
On Tuesday, he was sent to a new team.
The Raiders acquired the 2016 second-round selection for a 2019 conditional seventh-round pick, New York Jets coach Todd Bowles told reporters. Since January, Hackenberg has worked to hone his technique with quarterback guru Jeff Christensen. Earlier Tuesday, Hackenberg insinuated that Jets coaches failed to offer the development he needed.
Hackenberg, 23, has not attempted an NFL regular-season pass.
He’s dealt with inconsistent accuracy on the practice field.
“I think there were some times where I threw it really good throughout my first two years here,” Hackenberg told reporters Tuesday. “So that was the frustrating part for me, is the ups and downs and not knowing why, if that makes sense, and not really getting any information from anybody on how to fix that and how to address it.”
He said he did not fault the Jets for his development.
“I don’t put the blame on anyone,” Hackenberg said. “I’m happy I got the opportunity and someone stepped up outside of me to help me and give me the tools to do it. So being able to kind of take that by my control, being able to handle to do that myself, I think, is really cool. I didn’t do it by myself. There were some other people involved. But it was being able to go out, sacrifice the time, sacrifice the money, put everything into it and feel really good about it.”
The Raiders have yet to announce a corresponding move.
Once a roster spot is cleared, Hackenberg will join Derek Carr, EJ Manuel and Connor Cook at the position. Oakland drafted Cook in the 2016 fourth round. Coach Jon Gruden said in a 2016 ESPN article that he thought Hackenberg was worthy of a first-round pick.
Notable
— Cornerback Nick Nelson, a rookie fourth-round pick, remains sidelined. He suffered a torn meniscus during a private workout with the Detroit Lions before the draft. He’s expected to be a full participate at training camp in late July.
— Wide receiver Amari Cooper exited Tuesday’s practice with what Gruden called a “little twinge in his hamstring.”
— As expected, defensive end Khalil Mack was absent from the first day of organized team activities. Contract extension talks have yet to culminate in a deal. Attendance at OTAs is voluntary. If absent from a June 12 to 14 mandatory minicamp, Mack will be subject to fine.
— Left tackle Donald Penn participated in team drills during a walk-through. At normal practice tempo, however, he remained a spectator. Penn is considered ahead of schedule from December foot surgery.
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Contact reporter Michael Gehlken at mgehlken@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GehlkenNFL on Twitter.
