The Las Vegas Raiders have made many questionable draft picks over the last decade, but one of their best decisions was selecting Khalil Mack with the No. 5 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Despite being a perennial Pro Bowler for the team and being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2016, the Raiders traded him to the Chicago Bears before the 2018 season. Mack is now with the Los Angeles Chargers after a previous trade arranged by new RaideThe Las Vegas Raiders have made many questionable draft picks over the last decade, but one of their best decisions was selectingrs general manager Tom Telesco.
Now that Telesco is in Las Vegas, former Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison suggested Mack rejoin the team in a January 23 X post.
A trade seems highly unlikely. Mack turns 33 in February and has an injury history. Teams, including the Raiders, would likely rather wait to see if he hits free agency than consider a trade for him. The price for the star pass rusher shouldn’t be too high in free agency.
Tom Telesco first move: bringing Phillip Rivers out of retirement to the Raiders or Khalil Mack back to the Silver & Black?
— Kirk Morrison (@kirkmorrison) January 23, 2024
Khalil Mack Had Bounceback Season in 2023
It was starting to look like Khalil Mack’s best years were behind him. From 2019 to 2022, he didn’t have a single season with over 9.0 sacks. He was still solid but nothing close to the player who won Defensive Player of the Year.
His first year in Los Angeles was underwhelming as he only had 8.0 sacks. However, he bounced back in a major way in 2023. He finished fourth in the NFL with 17.o sacks, including a 6.0 sack game against the Raiders.
Mack proved in 2023 that he still has plenty left in the tank and can be one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. He’s also played 17 games in back-t0-back seasons so he’s staying healthy. Though he’s not going to get a massive contract in free agency, he’s likely set himself up for a solid payday.
Pass Rusher May Not Be Need for Las Vegas Raiders
Bringing Khalil Mack back to the Raiders would certainly make for a good story. He’s the best first-round draft pick the team has made in the past decade. However, pass rusher may not be a need for the team for the first time in a long time.
The Raiders already have superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby. He’s one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Malcolm Koonce had a breakout season in 2023 and finished the year with 8.0 sacks. He’s young and entering a contract year in 2024. He could be in for a really big 2024 season.
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