San Francisco 49ers: Pros & Cons of trading for Raiders’ Khalil Mack

Cons of the 49ers Trading for Khalil Mack

There’s no doubting the kind of impact Khalil Mack would have for the 49ers defense this, and what would likely be the next few seasons. He’s an impact defender even if the Raiders defense has been sub-par for a number of years now.

Still, there are more than a few things the Niners would have to consider to make such a move. And they’re substantial.

San Francisco 49ers

Forget the trade compensation for a moment. Let’s focus on the financial aspects of things. While the 49ers have more than $42 million in available cap room this season, and are projected to have $68 million with this year’s rolled over, Mack’s value is slated at an average annual salary of $18.2 million, according to Spotrac.com. Only Von Miller ($19.02 million) is worth more.

While the 49ers have the money now, they’re not long away from having to extend and/or re-sign key players. One of those is DeForest Buckner, with whom the Niners can negotiate what looks to be a lucrative extension this season.

Mack would command a massive chunk of San Francisco’s available cap space following a trade and likely renegotiated deal. And while it wouldn’t necessarily hurt now, it would severely hinder the team’s abilities to retain its own top talent in a couple of years. Perhaps sooner.

Back to the trade. What would it take?

A lot doesn’t seem adequate enough. Sure, the Raiders may have no intention of re-signing Mack after this season, so it’s feasible they’ll take the best offer made. Yet the market on Mack’s services, particularly for a team an edge rusher away from Super Bowl contention, would easily drive up the price.

San Francisco might not be at that point just yet. And even if it was, it’s likely Mack would cost in the neighborhood of one first-round pick, a second rounder and possibly some player talent to sweeten the deal. Perhaps more.