Khalil Mack: 5 Potential Trade Destinations as Holdout Continues

The Oakland Raiders have made no progress in talks with star defensive end Khalil Mack, who has decided to not attend team practices until a resolution is found.

Rumors even persist that head coach Jon Gruden has yet to speak with Mack in person or on the phone. This offers a fairly clear indication on just how far apart the two sides are. Without communication, the chances of a contract agreement happening in the near future look remote. If anything, this illustrates that it’s possible Oakland may even consider the unthinkable of looking to trade the 27-year old rather than give up the massive money required to satisfy him.

Gruden is the wild card in this situation. It’s totally unknown where he stands on the matter since he just arrived in Oakland back in January. He wasn’t around when Mack was drafted and so there are no deep ties to him. This makes the possibility of a trade at least somewhat more likely. If that’s the case, where could he end up shipping the All-Pro?

Here are five teams that would make the most sense.

Green Bay Packers

Among the teams best equipped to make a move on Mack, the Packers are tops on the list. They have the ammunition for it with two 1st round picks in next year’s draft. Not only that but they also have the motivation. Key pass rusher Nick Perry will be starting the year on the PUP list, leaving Clay Matthews as their only reliable starter. Mack could be the final piece to returning their defense to elite status and get them right back into the Super Bowl conversations.

Chicago Bears

When it comes to pure need, the Bears easily rank #1. Their pass rush situation is extremely dangerous. Outside of Leonard Floyd, who saw the past two years end with injury, they have no one of proven value at the edge rusher position. If Floyd goes down again? It could be disastrous. GM Ryan Pace feels this team is about ready to compete. Perhaps one more bold move is what it will take. The question is would he be willing to pay the price? He’s never traded for a veteran player in his front office career, so it would be a first.

Buffalo Bills

How fitting would it be? Mack made his name at the University of Buffalo when he became a top draft pick. Then he gets dealt to the Buffalo Bills in a wonderful moment of coming full circle. That Bills defense certainly could use help at the edge rusher position. They’ve been able to improve the secondary and linebackers but the defensive line lacks a proven playmaker. Having secured their quarterback already, the Bills could afford to be aggressive if they feel Mack can keep them in the playoff picture.

New England Patriots

This team should always be considered a threat in these situations. There’s just no telling when the Patriots might strike, but they’re equipped to do so if they wish. New England has five picks in the first three rounds next year including two 2nd and two 3rd rounders. Giving up a portion of that for Mack would drastically increase their already favorable Super Bowl odds. Of course, this depends on whether they’d pay Mack the money he’s seeking, and this is Bill Belichick. So that could be a problem.

Indianapolis Colts

Getting Andrew Luck back is the biggest benefit for the Indianapolis Colts, but there are other problems that need fixing. Finding a capable pass rusher on defense? Yep, that’s right near the top. After improving the offensive line and other key areas this offseason, they might be able to take a true swing at Mack to solve this issue, thus getting themselves right back into the playoff picture. It has to be tempting to consider, but a tough call given the other areas of the roster that need work.

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