Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has been busy this offseason, as he has signed free agents like Jared Cook and Cordarrelle Patterson in addition to maintaining contact with running back Marshawn Lynch.
Two things that he still needs to take of is the contracts of 2014 draft picks Derek Carr and Khalil Mack, who would be set to hit free agency next summer.
On Thursday he crossed one of those off the list, as it appears the Raiders have exercised a fifth-year option on Mack for the 2018 season, as expected, via Peter Schrager of Fox Sports:
News. Raiders exercise 5th-year option on LB Khalil Mack. @NFLonFOX @GMFB
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 20, 2017
Mack, who is the remaining NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will likely command one of the biggest contracts in NFL history for a defensive player when he hits free agency.
If the Raiders have their way he will not even make it to free agency though, as they have the next two years to negotiate a contract extension with the 26-year-old.
The Raiders drafted Mack with the fifth overall pick in 2014 out of Buffalo. He has been named a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro each of the last two seasons.
In 2016 Mack did everything for the Raiders as he had 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and an interception.
While extending Carr is also a priority for McKenzie as he does not have an option for the 2018 season so he would hit free agency next offseason, Carr recently said that he is a Raider for life so McKenzie is currently focused on signing Lynch and the upcoming draft.
