Oakland Raiders: Looking at the pros and cons of dealing Khalil Mack
By Kevin Saito
Con: The effect on future players
One of the big areas of concern in the wake of this deal is the lingering effect it’s going to have on future players. Not free agents – they don’t have to worry about rookie deals and fifth-year options – but future draft picks.
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Specifically, the two first-rounders (and whatever else) they’ll be getting from the Bears.
Knowing how the Gruden/McKenzie regime handled Mack’s situation, and their unwillingness to pay top dollar for top talent, that could have very chilling effect when it comes to negotiating a second contract for any breakout stars the team drafts and develops.
This could very well end up not being the case, and Mack’s situation will have no bearing on future negotiations with players, but you have to know that agents will always have this in the back of their minds when they sit down with Gruden and/or McKenzie.
Some teams have made it a practice to not overpay for players – the Patriots have had a tremendous run of success using that same blueprint. And until recently, so did the Packers. Both teams have had a lot of success, and have managed to do it without breaking the bank (although, the new regime in Green Bay is obviously running things a bit differently now).
The point is, when it comes to negotiating a second contract with players, it’s possible the way they (mis)handled the Mack situation may be a factor in the future. That’s something that remains to be seen, but something worth keeping an eye on – especially in light of the coming negotiation with star wideout Amari Cooper.