Khalil Mack trade possibilities that make the most sense
By Erik Lambert
The Oakland Raiders continue to make little headway regarding a new contract for their star pass rusher Khalil Mack. If anything it’s going in the other direction.
Signs continue to indicate that the team is at least open to the idea of trading the 27-year old. Rumors indicate they’re seeking multiple high draft choices if teams are that motivated to get him. Thus far they haven’t been overly enthusiastic about a trade. However, as Mack’s holdout continues and the communication between him and head coach Jon Gruden remain nearly non-existent? They may grow more open to it.
The last thing this team needs is a constant distraction going into the season. Mack will be a topic of discussion every week the longer the holdout goes on. Some believe if a trade is to happen, better sooner than later. Odds are teams will only drop their price offers the longer the season goes on. If Oakland wants maximum value, they should strike quickly.
To that end, who are the teams that stand out as logical destinations and what would a feasible trade be for them. Here are a few options.
To the Green Bay Packers for two 1st RD picks (2019)
No team is better equipped purely in the draft pick department to meet the Raiders’ demands than the Packers. Thanks to their trade with New Orleans back in April, they now have two 1st round picks available in 2019. They could easily package the two together and send them to Oakland for Mack without sacrificing any future picks.
The problem here though isn’t the picks, it’s money. Mack is looking for a new contract, one that will likely make him the highest-paid defensive player in football. Estimates put that north of $22 million a season. Considering they just got done making Aaron Rodgers the highest-paid player in the NFL history, it might not be something they can afford long-term.