Oakland Raiders: Reggie McKenzie Reveals Post-Draft Priorities
What’s on Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenize’s to-do list after the NFL draft? What’s his confidence level on getting them done?
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie briefly discussed contract extensions for quarterback Derek Carr, edge-rusher Khalil Mack and offensive guard Gabe Jackson during the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix, per CSN Bay Area reporter Scott Bair.
Related Story: Oakland Raiders: Two-Team Race For Linebacker Zach Brown?
Initially, talks about extending Jackson didn’t surface as loud and clear compared to the intentions to keep Carr and Mack in silver and black for the long term. Now, we’re hearing it straight from the executive. The Raiders team-first guard who switched spots on the offensive line to accommodate Kelechi Osemele has an extended future with the team.
As a third-round pick behind Mack and Carr in 2014, Jackson doesn’t garner as much praise, partially because he’s an interior offensive lineman. When the running back takes a carry six yards through the A-gap, he’s lauded for a tough run.
Jackson has been a huge contributor to positive inside runs as a left and right guard over the past three seasons. He deserves a lucrative deal, which gives the Raiders one of the best guard-center trios in the league. The Raiders’ young ball-carriers will have a field day running behind Jackson, Osemele and center Rodney Hudson.
McKenzie also offered a loose timetable on when to expect the extensions to hit the books in the report from Bair:
"More likely, the serious talks will happen after the (NFL) draft. The communication has been ongoing, just talking about the philosophy of a contract and the thought process around it. Hopefully when the serious talks start going, then it’s going to be easier."
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
In Bair’s report, McKenzie doesn’t seem stressed about the forthcoming extensions and how much money it’ll cost to keep core players. Clearly, the front office would prefer to tie up loose ends in free agency. Linebacker Zach Brown continues to mull his decision with the Raiders as a top choice. Marshawn Lynch rumors have fizzled, but he remains as a potential offseason add-on, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Josina Anderson. Then, the draft approaches late April when trades could affect overall cap space.
Once the moving parts have settled, Carr, Mack and Jackson will certainly ink lucrative deals. At the moment, the Raiders have $33 million in cap space, per Spotrac. If necessary, the team could terminate defensive tackle Dan Williams’ or offensive tackle Austin Howard’s contracts due to subpar play or position depth to recoup some cash. Nonetheless, McKenzie seems confident the deals will be done without much complications.
Expect Carr’s contract to compare close to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck’s five-year, $122 million deal. Mack’s contract will likely look similar to Denver Broncos edge-rusher Von Miller’s six-year, $114 million pact. As for Jackson, the top 12 guards in the league average at least $8 million per year. He’s likely to hit that mark on his second deal.
Next: Ranking Oakland Raiders’ Top Needs After Free Agency
Based on averages, the contracts mentioned above would put the team in the red as far as cap space. However, guaranteed money and production incentives play a huge part in contract signings. Fortunately, McKenzie has mastered the art of crafting a good deal for both the team and player.
All contract references provided by Spotrac.