Raiders need Khalil Mack to lead the way
The Oakland Raiders need Khalil Mack more than Mack needs the Raiders. With that being said, he should holdout until the organization breaks the bank for him.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Raiders do not expect to see Mack at their mandatory minicamp this week.
The #Raiders are not expecting star DE Khalil Mack for mandatory minicamp this week, sources say. That makes him an official holdout as he seeks a lucrative contract extension. A strong stance for the player who has averaged 12 sacks over the past 3 seasons.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 11, 2018
Per, Steve Wyche Mack has his eyes on an extension worth more than $65 million. The 27-year-old is slated to make under $14 million this upcoming season, before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2019.
The Raiders can fine Mack $100,000 for not reporting, but that won’t stop him from not showing up.
Recently, new defensive coordinator Paul Guether took a subtle shot at Mack, claiming he will have a ton of catching up to do when he finally decides to joins his teammates. Although this may be true, because a new defense is being installed, Mack should be the least of his concerns.
Putting pressure on Mack to return to the team the way Guether has done, wasn’t the best decision because it is putting a target on Mack’s back. But, it only proves how valuable Mack is and how desperate they are to have him back to help himself and his teammates.
Mack’s decision to holdout is a power move from the prolific playmaker, who has been instrumental on and off the field for the Raiders. He has made the Pro Bowl three consecutive seasons and has had double-digit sacks in each of those years. In just four season he is ranked fifth all-time in sacks in Raiders history.
His dominance on the field is even more impressive when you look at what he is surrounded by, not much talent. One thing that slips under the radar when it comes to Mack is his reliability. Since being drafting 2014, the pass rusher has played in every single game, which he should be rewarded for in his next contract.
Mack was recently ranked the seventh-best player in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus’ top 50 NFL players for 2018. He was the only player on the Raiders roster to crack the list and joined the likes of Aaron Donald (No.1), Luke Kuechly (No.5) and Von Miller (No.8) as the only defensive players in the top-10.
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It is evident not having Mack on the field is a disservice for the entire team. His production and leadership can not be replicated by anyone on the roster. Giving Mack the contract he wants is a no brainer for the Raiders.
Mack’s dominance has quickly put the Raiders back on the map. If the Raiders can’t figure out how to make him part of their long-term plan, another team will.