The Oakland Raiders decided to trade Khalil Mack when it became obvious that the two sides were not going to agree on a long-term contract extension, but they reportedly could have signed the star pass-rusher at a discounted price compared to what he got from his new team.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Mack’s camp made an offer to the Raiders six months ago that would have paid the 27-year-old less than what he will make with the Chicago Bears. That would mean Jon Gruden was not entirely transparent with some comments he made after the Mack trade.
“We made an offer,” the Oakland coach said. “I don’t think it was anywhere close to the Bears [offer].”
A source told La Canfora that the deal Mack’s agent proposed to the Raiders would have paid the former first-round pick less in both guaranteed money and average annual salary. It’s possible that Mack changed his mind and pulled his original proposal off the table after Aaron Donald signed his contract extension with the Los Angeles Rams, though it seems like Oakland had more than enough time to mull it over.
The Raiders got two first-round picks from the Bears, which is a lot better than eventually losing Mack in free agency. If you heard what Oakland’s defensive coordinator said about the deal, you might get a better idea of why Mack is no longer with the team.
