Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Why trading for Raiders’ Khalil Mack makes sense

By Jeremy Wohlfart

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 – NOVEMBER 27: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Derek Carr #4 after scoring on an interception of Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter of their NFL game on November 27, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Derek Carr #4 after scoring on an interception of Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter of their NFL game on November 27, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

The 49ers can afford it

For those unaware or in need of a reminder, the Mack holdout basically boils down to money.

Mack wants to be the highest-paid defensive player, or thereabouts.

As a ballpark figure, there are rumors that the new contract for star Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be up to $22 million per season.

For an in-team comparison, the 49ers are paying franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo $27.5 million per season.

The 49ers, despite the Garoppolo extension, enjoy a very healthy cap situation. Over The Cap has them third in the NFL and first in the NFC at $43,532,274 in space. Only the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts enjoy more cap space.

Some of this space is no doubt reserved for Buckner, who will be a very rich man when he receives his inevitable contract extension as the team’s young defensive crown jewel.

But even with a pending Buckner extension, the 49ers have more than enough space to accommodate both defenders.

Is Mack worth it? Well…

"After making three Pro Bowls since 2014, being named All-Pro twice and winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2016, he might well be worth that kind of investment."

Yes, yes he is. If the 49ers can’t make the numbers work, nobody can.