Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack trade offers have been rejected
Is there a chance the Oakland Raiders trade Khalil Mack? For now, MMQB’s Albert Breer says the team isn’t interested in moving the star edge-rusher.
As Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack’s holdout for a new contract lingers well into the preseason, many chatted about his availability in a trade.
How much would it take for the Silver and Black to unload the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year?
Well, according to The MMQB’s Albert Breer, the Raiders have rejected offers for their star edge-rusher, who’s by the way, under contract for $13.8 million in 2018:
"Is there a team out there willing to give up a first-round pick (and maybe another pick), plus more than $20 million per year, with $60 million or so fully guaranteed, to get Mack? Maybe there is. He’s an incredible player, but that’s a hefty price for anyone who doesn’t play quarterback. For now the discussion is moot, as I understand it. Inquiries about Mack’s availability from other NFL outposts have been quickly met with a no."
Breer lays it out clearly for dream-traders hoping to land Mack in a blockbuster deal. Right now, the Raiders have no interest in moving the two-time All-Pro. Why would they?
As mentioned, the Raiders still have Mack under contract for another year. Looking at the length of this holdout, the front office will test whether he’s willing to miss regular-season game checks.
Realistically speaking, Mack may report to the team shortly before Week 1, unhappy about his current deal. There’s a possibility that he’s franchise-tagged next offseason for a fully-guaranteed contract that’s less than $20 million per year. The tag for defensive ends listed at $16.9 million in 2017 and $17.1 million this year — see Demarcus Lawrence and Ezekiel Ansah, per Spotrac.com.
It’s not ideal for Mack, but team control puts him in a rough spot. Of course, there’s always the art of making a deal, and he’s extended at some point during the year.
The Raiders have ample time to construct a satisfactory contract for Mack, but it may not happen on his preferred timeline. On the other hand, general manager Reggie McKenzie has done an excellent job in keeping cornerstone players on the roster with lucrative salaries. Quarterback Derek Carr and offensive guard Gabe Jackson signed big extensions last offseason.
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Mack’s potential record-setting deal, which would likely make Oakland the first team to pay two players $20-plus million per year (Carr lists at $25 million annually) will take some time to iron out. Nonetheless, if the front office hasn’t come to even think about trading the 27-year old, the holdout isn’t in dire straits at the moment.