Gruden and Co. know they have contract leverage: This is the fifth year of Mack’s rookie deal, and Oakland could theoretically slap the franchise tag on him in 2019 and 2020. Raiders brass apparently wants to exploit this upper hand in the relationship, hoping Mack will cave. But Mack and his team won’t play ball, literally and figuratively. They’re dug in. They think the Raiders’ approach is crazy and disrespectful. This is what we call a major impasse. And the Grand Canyon-sized divide only got bigger on Friday, when Rams DT Aaron Donald signed a six-year, $135 million extension with $87 million in guarantees.
If Mack isn’t going to play football under his current contract and the Raiders have no desire to pay him what he wants … well, then trading him is a must.
So, where could Mack end up?
1) Green Bay Packers
If the Green Bay Packers trade for Mack, they become the Super Bowl favorite. He’s that impactful. Mack would be a sensational fit in Mike Pettine’s defense. And both top corner picks, Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson, would benefit greatly from a top-notch disruptor getting after the quarterback up front. Aaron Rodgers, the most talented quarterback in NFL history, wouldn’t have to carry the team all by himself.
2) New York Jets
Todd Bowles is a fine defensive mind. Giving him a piece like Mack would work wonders for a unit that ranked 25th in total defense and 28th in sacks last season. And it’d give the Jets a bright young stud to build around on each side of the ball.
3) Buffalo Bills
A homecoming to the place where Mack starred as a collegiate. Bills coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane have proven to be quite aggressive in the trade market during a relatively short period of time in Buffalo. The Bills have the need, ranking 29th in sacks last season. They have cap room. McDermott is a defensive guru. This is a dreamy hypothetical for the Bills Mafia.
4) Chicago Bears
Imagine Mack playing in Vic Fangio’s defense. Imagine Mack being the next legendary Bears linebacker. And maybe most crucially, put yourself in GM Ryan Pace’s shoes and imagine looking across the division and seeing Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins as the opposing quarterbacks. You rightly believe you have a franchise quarterback of your own. How about a franchise pass rusher?
5) Indianapolis Colts
Indy GM Chris Ballard is sharp and proactive. And he currently has about $50 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. The Colts’ 2019 pick could be a very high one, something that could get the Raiders’ attention. And I’d ask Gruden if there are young players on the Colts defense he’d like. Nobody would be untouchable.
