Khalil Mack Hoping To Remain Raider For Life

Raiders OLB Khalil Mack mentioned during an interview with Fallon Smith NBC Sports Bay Area that he’s hoping to remain with the team that drafted him for the rest of his career.

“Of course. That’s not even a question,” Mack said. “That’s a no-brainer for me, especially when you think about coming into this organization and try to build something special, that’s something you want to be a part of for a lifetime”

While Mack is clearly in line to be one of the highest paid players in the NFL, he says his focus lies with their upcoming game against the Patriots.

“I’m not really even thinking about that,” Mack said. “I’m thinking about the Patriots, that’s just my focus that’s just my mindset – anybody who talked to me about that matter, whether it be my best friend, my mom, my dad, I tell them the same thing. I’m thinking about the Patriots and sacking Tom Brady.”

Last week, Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie said he anticipates negotiations with Mack picking up during the offseason.

“I anticipate that. Yes, I do,” McKenzie said, via CSN Bay Area. “Hopefully his agent feels the same.”

Mack will be in the final year of his rookie contract after the Raiders picked up his fifth-year option. Oakland will still have their franchise tag available to them in 2019 if they’re unable to get a long-term extension in place next year.

Mack, 26, is a former first-round pick of the Raiders back in 2014. He was in the final year of his four-year, $18,677,002 contract and set to make a base salary of $690,000 to go along with a $2,276,865 roster bonus for the 2017 season when Oakland picked up his fifth-year option this past April.

In 2017, Mack has appeared in nine games for the Raiders and recorded 46 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and a pass defense.  Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 5 edge defender out of 110 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding an extension for Mack as the news is available.