Should the Redskins Consider Trading for Khalil Mack?

It’s pretty obvious that Khalil Mack is unhappy in Oakland. It’s becoming increasingly unlikely that the team will give him a new contract this season. So just how long will the 27 year old EDGE defender hold out?

The Redskins and Raiders have a pretty strong tie in this story. It’s the tie that binds - brothers who are head coaches!

Jay and John may be competitors on the field, but they are family off it. Both teams have some question marks at EDGE after this season. Both Mack and Redskins outside linebacker Preston Smith are scheduled to become free agents after the 2018 season.

The interesting part in this whole scenario is that new Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Gunther, hand-picked by John Gruden, will try and implement a 4-3 system like he previously used in Cincinnati, and one that mimics Mike Zimmer’s defense in Minnesota.

In Cincinnati, Gunther had Carlos Dunlap (6’6” 277) and Michael Johnson (6’7” 262) as his starting defensive ends. The Raiders currently have Mario Edwards (6’3” 279) locked in on one side, but have rookie Arden Key (who may be better suited as an OLB) and Bruce Irvin (who is more of a 3rd down specialist) on the other. Preston Smith, at 6’5” 268 pounds, is more of a prototypical defense end in a 4-3 than he is an outside linebacker in a 3-4.

As for Mack, the 6’3” 252 pounder may be much better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker, where he can use his speed to harass opposing quarterbacks, and his athleticism to occasionally drop into coverage when needed. He and Pro Bowler Ryan Kerrigan would form one of the most dangerous pass rushing tandems in the NFL.

Should the Grudens get their heads together over a cordial phone conversation or two, and come up with some perimeters for a potential trade for Khalil Mack? Obviously Mack for Smith straight up is not going to happen, so if that were a possible deal, the Redskins would have to offer up a draft pick to make this work.

There is also a chance that the Raiders would be interested in another player on the current Redskins roster - say tight end Jordan Reed or second year running back Samaje Perine.

However realistic this scenario may be, it’s at least something than both sides can have a conversation about. At the very least, the two brothers can say I love you, good luck this season, and hang up the phone...