Defensive star Khalil Mack did not participate in OTAs and officially held out of the team’s minicamp as he seeks a new contract. Mack is in the final year of his rookie contract and set to make just over $13 million, but he’s a former Defensive Player of the Year and deserving of a long-term deal.
Speaking at a Raiders fan rally at Ricky’s Sports Theater and Grill in San Leandro, Calif. on Friday, Gruden described the situation as his “toughest decision” right now.
Jon Gruden, on Khalil Mack: “That might be the toughest decision I have to figure out right now. We’re not the only team that’s faced with that. It’s tough. It’s part of this business and we’ll just keep our fingers crossed.” https://t.co/1tcoQmLJ7z
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) July 21, 2018
The Raiders clearly want to have Mack in the fold and know they need him. GM Reggie McKenzie has even said they hope to keep Mack for life. A report in April suggested that Mack could set a record for guaranteed money. So far that has yet to materialize, which has led to little movement on the Mack contract front as training camp approaches. That’s not a position either party wants to be in.
