There is increasing chatter about the Los Angeles Rams and holdout defensive tackle Aaron Donald nearing agreement on a contract extension. Naturally, the knee-jerk reaction in these parts is, how does that affect the holdout of Raiders defensive lineman Khalil Mack? For starters, Mack and his agent, Joel Segal, as well as the Raiders, would
How Aaron Donald contract extension affects potential Khalil Mack long-term deal
Mack will be signed, as I’ve mentioned previously, the week of the home opener
No way do the Raiders play without Mack on national TV vs a team that DID sign their dominant defensive player. And in Grudens first game. They need Mack on the defensively line.
Everyone stop freaking out. Raiders will sign Mack. They will not trade him.
Cork, I’m thinking “no contract talks” an “no dialogue” might have been Joel Segal’s strategy all along. If the Raiders tried to negotiate before Donald agrees, and Khalil’s camp won’t engage in negotiating, then Reggie is in a weak position to offer an extension, and would actually only be negotiating against himself.
Waiting till Donald’s contract nbrs are out sets the bar to be hurdled by Reggie without his consent. That also places Segal in a stronger negotiating position without even a tug-of-war, no risks or variables. Insightful on Segal’s part.
You, Sir, are a wise man. As I wrote way back at the beginning, this is a waiting, cat-and-mouse game. There’s no rush on the part of Mack. He has everything in his favor. One other thing to remember: The Rams consider themselves a Super Bowl favorite. To get there, they need Aaron Donald. The Raiders might not make the playoffs, even with Mack at his best. Hence, the Raiders can afford to bide their time as well.
Question: what is the minimum amount of days the Raiders have to sign Mack so he can be eligible or ready to play? What if Donald signs with the minimum amount of time to get ready for game 1? Reggie better have a contract ready to fill in the blanks!