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

By Peter Panacy

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the second half of their NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.co Coliseum on September 13, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the second half of their NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.co Coliseum on September 13, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 7: Running back Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers gets forced back by the Oakland Raiders for a gain of only one yard in the third quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 7: Running back Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers gets forced back by the Oakland Raiders for a gain of only one yard in the third quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

The Verdict on a Khalil Mack-to-49ers Trade

On another hand, it seems almost silly for the Raiders to trade arguably their best player on either side of the ball. And just like a quarterback, teams either have an elite pass-rusher or are clamoring to get one.

Even if Oakland is exploring its options, though, it’s highly unlikely Niners general manager John Lynch makes the move unless it’s a borderline “steal” of a deal — not unlike giving up a second-round pick for Jimmy Garoppolo to the New England Patriots a year ago.

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The Garoppolo deal was a unique circumstance. And while Khalil Mack’s situation could be likewise, the smart money would be on the Raiders seeking the biggest return possible.

Could the 49ers afford it? Absolutely. But would they consider the ramifications?

Those include a number of key factors. For starters, it would vastly hinder the Niners’ ability to re-sign/extend a lot of their young on-roster talent — players like DeForest Buckner, linebacker Reuben Foster, safety Adrian Colbert and others — who have started to solidify themselves as cornerstone pieces for what looks to be a young, dynamic core.

By doing so, the 49ers would be playing much more of a “win now” game instead of long-term, sustained success.

On top of that, the 2018 NFL Draft is said to be laden with quality pass-rushers, including the entire starting four of Clemson’s defensive line. While none of those collegiate prospects are proven at the NFL level, it certainly would be a cheaper option for Lynch and would stay in line with what has largely been an organic youth movement in Santa Clara.

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So, no. Don’t expect the 49ers to pull the trigger on this one. Mack’s talents are undeniable, but the feasibility of it is just too far a reach.