New York Jets: Only trade for Khalil Mack under one condition
The New York Jets should only deal for Khalil Mack under one condition, if they can guarantee he signs an extension there.
The New York Jets began a youth movement last year with the roster purge of bad contracts. When they cut David Harris and Eric Decker, it shocked a lot of people, but both cuts were necessary moves for the future of the franchise. Now, there’s potential a young star available via trade with proven NFL talent, and the Jets should jump on it immediately, if the price is right…right?
Let’s pump the breaks. It’s a very fluid a complicated situation in Oakland regarding Khalil Mack right now.
Many Jets fans would bet the farm on Mack at the moment, and I am not saying that he’s not worth trading for, but there’s a huge caveat here. The Jets have the cap money to trade for him this year, and they also have the money to spend in 2019. However, if the Raiders trade him, will any team that takes him on be able to re-sign him, or will he opt for free agency regardless of who picks him up?
According to Pro Football Focus, Mack’s Pass Rush Productivity peaked in 2016. He was also still sixth among players who had at least 400 snaps in pass rush. From an Oakland perspective, why this guy doesn’t have an extension is baffling.
The Jets need to step gingerly on this. Should they consider the deal because of his talent? Yes. However, if there’s even the slightest chance he will test the free agent market next year anyway and not sign an extension with the Jets, then Mike Maccaganan needs to stay away from Mack now and hope he can sign him in 2019.
If Maccagnan chooses the latter, and Mack ends his holdout and signs an extension with the Raiders, then so be it. They can always try to sign another free agent in 2019 or get someone in the draft. In order for the former to happen, the Jets would have to be granted permission to talk to Mack’s agent while the trade is in the works.
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In the end, it’s not worth the price of a trade if he’s not going to sign an extension. So, be forewarned Jets fans, and also, be careful what you wish for.