Oakland Raiders edge rusher Khalil Mack is holding out of training camp in search of a new contract. Word is the team and their star defender aren’t close on a deal.
Now there are rumors that the Raiders may trade Mack. In fact, that the possibility is becoming greater every day.
If the Packers wanted to kick the tires on such a trade, they could. They have the draft capital now with two 2019 first-round picks.
Would they consider it?
General manager Brian Gutekunst was asked about the possibility on Tuesday. He didn’t exactly shoot it down or prop it up.
“We’re going to have conversations about everything,” Gutekunst said. “There’s some things that don’t make sense for us from a team-building (sense), but we’re going to have conversations, especially with a player of that ability.”
Gutekunst was then asked if he’d call Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie, who came up through the Packers organization.
“I would give Reggie a call anyway, whether he was or wasn’t (available),” Gutekunst said.
So what’s working in the favor of a potential deal? Obviously, the extra first-rounder.
Mack is a beast. His career low in tackles was 73. He’s had double-digit sacks in three of his four years in the league. He’s only 27.
The Packers have Clay Matthews’ contract coming off the books after the season. They have Nick Perry, who’s always injured.
Is it possible? Or even sensible?
I would say it is.
Ted Thompson would never have considered such a bold move. Brian Gutekunst has already proven he isn’t Ted Thompson through his aggressive and ongoing approach to free agency.
What’s working against such a move?
The contract. The Packers can likely afford to pay the guy with so much money coming off the books next year, but we don’t know what Mack is asking for.
I also still have my doubts that the Raiders really want to move on from a young player that’s so talented.
Finally, unlike other pro leagues, trades in the NFL are more of an anomaly than a regularity. So I’ll believe it when I see it.