Trade No. 3: A 49ers Package Deal for Raiders EDGE Khalil Mack
OK, here’s your blockbuster deal.
There’s enough buzz going around the Oakland Raiders aren’t going to budge on three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Khalil Mack, who continues to be a holdout in training camp and the preseason. And that has led to speculation the Raiders are willing to move Mack if the return compensation is right.
I already dove into the pros and cons of the 49ers making such a big move. Mack wants a new deal and deservedly so, while the Raiders aren’t intent on giving him one. At least not now.
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Cap-wise, the Niners could afford to offer a renegotiated deal for the talented pass-rusher, particularly if it’s front-loaded at a time when San Francisco has a good deal of cap space and long before some of its pending extensions for other players (i.e. defensive tackle DeForest Buckner) should be made.
By doing so, the 49ers would be solving one of their biggest pressing issues on defense. Currently, the Niners are hoping edge rushers Cassius Marsh and Jeremiah Attaochu can combine to provide this oh-so-necessary ability off the edge. But the two have a combined 16 sacks over their four-year careers.
Mack had just one shy of that net number in his All-Pro 2015 season alone.
Yet the Niners would, essentially, have to mortgage off their future atop the NFL Draft. The Raiders could afford to be picky with compensation packages, meaning two first-round picks would likely be the standard.
Fortunately, John Lynch has been pretty effective at landing impact talent later on in the draft the past two seasons, so that trend might continue. And by tossing in defensive tackle Arik Armstead to sweeten the deal, thereby opening up playing time for DTs Sheldon Day and Jullian Taylor, the Niners defense might be better off as a result.
OK, 49ers fans. Would you do it? Chime in on the comments section and let us know!