Former Raiders voice Greg Papa was asked for his opinion on the Khalil Mack holdout on Tuesday and Papa doesn’t think it’s time to panic on the situation, yet. He also doesn’t believe that the Raiders and Mack’s agent are not speaking, as it has been reported.
“I don’t believe the Raiders are not talking to Khalil Mack,” Papa said Tuesday on 95.7 The Game. “I said yesterday on my show that I think Labor Day Monday is when you’ve really got to hope Khalil Mack is going to start to make his way to 1220 Harbor Bay Parkway and get ready to play the next Monday.”
Papa also doesn’t believe Mack will miss any regular season games, but did offer a date that both sides should hope Mack returns to the team – even if it happens without a new deal in place:
“If you’re asking for where this is going to be, I’ve said all along I don’t think he misses any league games . There was a report from CBS Sports yesterday that they would be shocked if he shows up on time, but where are they getting that from? Is that coming from Joel Segal? Is it coming from the Raiders? I think the one thing is there’s not a lot of inflammatory quotes from either side. We’ve not heard a word from Joel Segal. Reggie won’t talk, they’re not going to let Tom Delaney talk, who’s doing the contract, Khalil’s not talking so I think that’s good. You’re not burning any bridges down. I think this is just hardcore NFL big money negotiation that is typical in August.”
While bridges may not be burning, it’s hard to believe that Mack isn’t frustrated by the way negotiations have gone. Considering his status as a team captain and his standing in the league (a former defensive MVP), he has to feel disrespected by the fact that the Raiders still haven’t made a financial commitment to him.
Mack may not be talking, but he is sending about cryptic messages on his verified Instagram account that more than likely give a little insight into how he feels about his new contract – or lack thereof.
twitter: @raidersbeat
Sign Mack now please
People still think that Instagram snippet was Mack? Seriously?
Mack should get paid as he is the best defensive player in the game not just on the raiders. He’s a game wrecker. That being said I can’t say he is showing himself as a team player holding out through the preseason. Where is the leadership everyone is talking about. 13.5 million guaranteed to play this year and you don’t even show up to help the young guys learn and grow. When Mack entered the league he had veteran players to learn from but he is too good to help the rookies. I am a true lifelong Raiders fan and Mack is truly the best defensive player in the league but it takes 11 offense and 11 defense to play in the league. That being said Mack is wrecking another team this time it’s his own. My opinion which matters 0 is to hold Mack on his 5th year option and address the contract situation at the end of the year or trade for top draft picks in hopes of getting another Mack type in the draft. This is a team game as everyone keeps saying but this situation is a ME situation that will destroy the locker room. Take care of the situation however you like but do it now
Good point but its a dangerous occupation. One play & it could be over. I cant blame Mack he deserves the big contract . Plus have you seen him play? HulkMode !
Good point but its a dangerous occupation. One play & it could be over. I cant blame Mack he deserves the big contract . Plus have you seen him play? HulkMode !