Article by Antwon "Smitty" Smith
The Oakland Raiders and All-Pro Defensive End Khalil Mack are at a standstill and it seems that there is no ending in sight. Mack who is a 3x-time pro bowler, is going into his fifth season with Oakland, but he is looking for a long-term deal Ann's reports are it's in the area of $22 million dollars a year. Khalil is only scheduled to make $13.8 million in the final year of his rookie deal. Both sides are not talking on a new deal at the moment and there may be signs that Oakland may be forced to ship Mack off in the prime of his career. The Raiders only have a little bit over $2 million in cap space remaining this season, which is well short of even entertaining a new deal. Mack has accumulated 40.5 Sacks his first 4 seasons with the Raiders, which means his production has earned him a nice pay raise and long term contract.
Oakland struggled defensively the last season, where they finished near the bottom of the league (5 interceptions in 2017). It was mainly because of lack of pressure on the quarterback, which caused the corners and safeties to have to cover longer which led to big plays by opposing teams. The Raiders gave up 23.3 points per game, so defensively without Khalil Mack (10.5 Sacks in 2017), Oakland would be mediocre on defense at best. If Oakland traded their biggest commodity (Mack) it could actually also be a great move to turn their fortunes around, but how long would an actual rebuild take? Oakland doesn't have that kind of time with a move to Vegas looming in the next two years.
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| In 2016 Mack became the only player In NFL history to be voted to the Pro Bowl at two different positions |
Mack is only 27, so imagine the assets he could bring in if he's traded to the right team. There are teams desperate for top notch pass rushers, so the trade market will be wide open for Mack. I think the Raiders could possibly get two first round picks or a first and a third pick in return which means they could be drafting 2 first round picks next year, which could be a spring into the Gruden era. Gruden who is a great evaluator of talent, spent a decade calling plays on Monday Night Football analyzing and breaking down plays during live telecasts. His knowledge of the game is not the question but the evolution of the it since he last coached in 2009.
Oakland signed the former Super Bowl winning coach to a 10-year/$100 million dollar deal in the off-season so he could help turn the teams fortunes around and bring his winning attitude. The franchise has only made the playoffs once in the last 16 years. Mack and Gruden have yet to speak to one another since Gruden was hired as coach back in January, which could be a red flag for Mack and the organization. Gruden is a no nonsense type coach and Reggie McKenzie is trying to secure his future with the team, so moving on from Mack would be logical.... right? If they are going to deal their superstar player now is the perfect time to do so because the clock is ticking!
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