Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack training camp watch set for July 26
Edge rusher Khalil Mack sat out the first few phases of the Oakland Raiders offseason program. Will he rejoin the team when veterans report to camp July 26?
The Oakland Raiders will open training camp for rookies July 23. The veterans join them July 26.
There’s one particular player fans and coaches want to see on the practice field, edge-rusher Khalil Mack.
Before the Raiders broke for a near six-week intermission, head coach Jon Gruden shared his thoughts on Mack’s absence:
Raiders HC Jon Gruden was extremely pleased with the offseason program, save one thing:
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) June 14, 2018
"I’d feel a lot better if No. 52 was walking around here right now. He’s the man. He’s the guy we have to figure out how to get back in here."
On the positive side, the coaching staff took a longer look at Fadol Brown. The second-year defensive end stood out for multiple reasons, per Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Michael Gehlken:
Raiders DE Fadol Brown finished practice in team’s weight room, tossed from action after post-play scrum. Threw down rookie RT Brandon Parker. Brown been a standout this spring.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 12, 2018
More than likely, third-rounder Arden Key will see increased reps opposite Bruce Irvin if Mack continues to hold out.
However, the Raiders’ rookie perimeter linemen would face elite competition with No. 52 on the field. Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker would get an early taste of what it’s like to block a top pass-rusher in the league. It’s important considering the edge-rushing talent within the AFC West.
For the Raiders, it’s ideal to ink Mack’s deal before the Los Angeles Rams sign off on Aaron Donald‘s contract. Despite playing different positions, both players list among the top defensive playmakers in the league. They’re game-changers on the front line.
Whoever signs second will likely cash in the more lucrative deal after the first contract resets the market for non-quarterbacks. As widely reported, Denver Broncos edge-rusher Von Miller leads all defenders with $19 million per year and $70 million in practical guaranteed money, per Spotrac.
Mack and Donald will surpass Miller in annual salary to exceed $20 million. NFL Network reporter Steve Wyche says the Raiders edge-rusher seeks an excess of $65 million in guarantees.
With the parameters already in mind, Mack’s agent Joel Segal may exercise patience to potentially wait out Donald resetting the non-quarterback market first. If the Rams can’t come to a new agreement with their star defensive tackle, it could stall the Raiders’ ability to iron out a deal with their star pass-rusher unless general manager Reggie McKenzie works his negotiating table magic.
Unlike left tackle Donald Penn last year, who ended his holdout after the second preseason game, Mack knows he’s one major injury away from missing out on a record-setting deal. He carries more leverage as a premier player in his prime.
If the Rams sign Donald before their training camp opens July 26, it will likely cost the Raiders extra in compensation. Nevertheless, it provides a template for McKenzie well before the regular season kicks off.
Next: NFL 2018: Each team's best offseason move
Regardless, don’t expect Mack and the front office to strike a deal until training camp draws closer or a couple of weeks into practices. Typically, the starters take the most live reps during the third preseason game. So, it’s not out of the question for the holdout to spill into August.
Of course, it’s important to see Mack on the field with a new coaching staff. As long as the 27-year-old remains in top shape, we should see the same player from year’s past. At the latest, the Raiders should aim to resolve the contract issue between August 18 and 24. It’s the week between the second and third exhibition contests.