5 teams that should call Raiders about Khalil Mack trade

The Oakland Raiders haven’t talked to Khalil Mack about a contract since February. That means these five teams should be trying to acquire him via trade.

To say that serious tension exists between the Raiders and star linebacker Khalil Mack would be a massive understatement. The two sides are not communicating currently and Mack is nowhere near showing up for training camp. At the very least, enterprising GMs from other teams should be calling Reggie McKenzie to see if they can pry Mack away before the 2018 season begins.

On the surface, the idea that the Raiders might trade Mack away seems crazy. He is, after all, one of the NFL’s truly great defenders. However, the news that the two sides haven’t spoken about a new contract since February puts matters into a different light. It raises the legitimate question of whether or not Jon Gruden really wants to coach Mack.

That brings the question of a trade squarely into the realm of possibility. In this piece, we’ll examine five teams that should at least call Oakland to make an offer. We start, by a team that would like to move Mack just across the Bay.

5. San Francisco 49ers

The Raiders may not be willing to make a trade with the 49ers given their proximity, but it shouldn’t stop San Francisco officials from reaching out. Mack would give them a defensive star to balance the way Jimmy Garoppolo shines for the team’s offense.

Mack would provide the ‘Niners with a huge upgrade over Eli Harold at their SAM linebacker spot. The 2015 third-round pick was one of the weakest starters on the team during the 2017 season.

The idea of putting Mack in the same front seven with DeForest Buckner and Reuben Foster could give opposing offensive coordinators nightmares. It’s unlikely the 49ers could get a deal done, but that shouldn’t stop them from trying. Acquiring Mack would change the entire complexion of their defense.