Khalil Mack and the Raiders will reach a new deal at some point, but The Athletic’s Vic Tafur doesn’t believe it will happen anytime soon.
“Soon” is, of course, a relative term but if Derek Carr’s contract was any indication, late June might be the time to look for Mack and the Raiders to start making progress. Carr did have a little more leverage than Mack, but the Raiders should want to get Mack’s deal in the rearview at the appropriate time – especially if Mack is willing to skip organized team activities in the weeks ahead.
The Raiders were intentional with their timing in moving forward with Carr’s deal and they’ll probably do the same with Mack. There’s a good chance Mack’s agent and the Raiders won’t discuss anything significant for weeks.
Considering what it will cost to re-sign Mack, even a small concession on his part would be significant for the Raiders. One percent of $100 million is almost the amount it cost the Raiders to sign their current starting middle linebacker.
As the process drags out, it will be interesting to see how Mack approaches Raiders’ mandatory mini-camp which will begin in about a month (June 12-14).
It wouldn’t be a big surprise if he doesn’t show up without a new deal.
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