Buckle up. This one could go on for a while.
Khalil Mack has reportedly chosen not to show up to offseason workouts without a new contract and according to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, early conversations between Mack and the Raiders “weren’t close” on a new deal.
Nevertheless, NFL Network’s Jim Trotter says a deal should be done by the start of training camp.
Khalil Mack did not attend the start of Raiders voluntary workouts today, but there is no sense of panic within the organization. Mack is in the final year of his rookie contract, and the expectation internally is that an extension will be done before the start of training camp.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) April 9, 2018
The Raiders moved very slowly toward reaching a deal with Derek Carr a year ago and that seems to be the gameplan again with Mack.
It’s worth noting, however, that the Raiders have a little more leverage with Mack than they did with Carr. Because he was drafted in the first round, the Raiders can keep Mack on a fifth-year option for this season and use the franchise tag on him next year.
Had Carr chosen to sit out a year ago (he never threatened to), the Raiders would have had no choice but to pay him. As a quarterback, Carr’s offseason presence was more crucial than what it is for Mack now.
Mack’s absence isn’t a huge deal in April. But as leverage goes, it’s really his only option. He would also risk losing millions if he happened to sustain an injury during offseason workouts.
From a strictly business standpoint, it’s hard to argue that Mack is making a bad decision.
As for his role as team captain and getting the Gruden era off on the right foot, Mack’s absence is a little less ideal.
The question now.
How long will this drag on?
twitter: @raidersbeat
I just hope they pay him quickly cuz I don’t feel like this being the only **** thing that I read about for the next 2 months