2018 NFL Holdouts: Who Will Crack and Who Could Persist?

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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 08: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders lines up to rush the quarterback during their NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack

There really isn’t that much to say. Khalil Mack is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. He hasn’t missed a game in his career and he’s been playing better with each season. It should be no wonder that he wishes to get compensated for this reality. Why should he agree to give the Raiders a discount when they’ve done such a poor job of getting him help on the defensive side? Considering how much effort he puts in, there’s no shame in seeking every penny possible.

Likely result: Persist

Of all the holdouts happening this year, Mack has by far the most leverage. He’s the best player on the Raiders defense by a wide margin. They can’t perform without him, and he knows it. All he has to do is string it out and they won’t have any choice but to meet his demands.

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