Raiders reportedly not ruling out Khalil Mack trade

There has been no indication that the Oakland Raiders are close to a long-term extension with Khalil Mack, and the regular season kicks off in two weeks. If they believe the star linebacker will hold out into Week 1 and beyond, will they consider the possibility of trading him?

According to a report from Mike Florio of Pro Football talk, the Raiders have not ruled that out. Florio notes that there are four teams that are seriously interested in talking trade with the Raiders, who “haven’t slammed the door” on dealing Mack.

Mack is in the final year of his rookie contract, so the Raiders would likely need to be blown away by a trade offer. While he could, in theory, hold out into the regular season, it would cost the former Defensive Player of the Year a huge chunk of money. Oakland also could franchise tag Mack in 2019m 2020 and again in 2021 (for an unrealistically massive price), so he’s still technically under team control for three more seasons.

We know one team that would probably jump at the opportunity to acquire Mack, and there may be others. However, it goes without saying that he is incredibly important to Oakland’s defense. Keeping Mack is in all likelihood the most desired outcome for the Raiders.