Report: Raiders, Khalil Mack essentially ‘nowhere’ in contract talks

The information surround the Oakland Raiders and Khalil Mack continues to paint a negative picture.

Mack remains a holdout from training camp as he seeks a new contract. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on Thursday that talks are “essentially nowhere” between the sides, which is not a good sign about any progress being made.

“From what I understand, the Raiders and Khalil Mack are essentially nowhere … this is a very interest test for (Jon Gruden). The spotlight is very clearly on Jon Gruden,” Rapoport said. “You have one of their best players — if not their No. 1 best player — who is unhappy, who does not have a current offer. He’s had no real negotiations with the team since February. The longer this goes without an end in sight, the more likely it is that Khalil Mack will actually miss regular season games.”

Rapoport also said he would not be surprised if Mack misses games while holding out. This echoes what Yahoo’s Charles Robinson reported on Tuesday. He said Mack is “likely” to miss regular season games. There has been talk that the Raiders are willing to listen to trade offers for the defensive standout who is under contract to make just shy of $14 million this season.

Here is video of Rapoport’s report:

From @NFLTotalAccess: There is clear optimism as the #Rams and DT Aaron Donald move closer to a deal before the season, while the spotlight shines on #Raiders coach Jon Gruden in the Khalil Mack situation. pic.twitter.com/b6f8CbWDBJ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2018