Mack missing from 1st offseason meeting
The Raiders convened Monday for the beginning of their offseason program with one notable absence.
Edge rusher Khalil Mack was not at the Raiders’ facility, NFL Network reported, for the team’s first session under new head coach Jon Gruden.
Early offseason program dates are voluntary. The first two weeks of the program consist of instruction, strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation; the Raiders’ first mandatory mini-camp isn’t until June 12.
Mack is entering the final season of his rookie deal, set to play under a $13.8 million fifth-year option the Raiders exercised last year. In his first four NFL seasons, Mack has made three Pro Bowls, was named first-team All-Pro at both linebacker and defensive end in 2015 and was the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.
All of that means Mack’s next contract will be a highly lucrative one. For comparison, Denver edge rusher Von Miller signed a six-year, $114.5 million deal in 2016 that reportedly included nearly $70 million in guaranteed money. That could be a frame of reference for contract talks with Mack.
General manager Reggie McKenzie repeatedly has said the Raiders want to sign Mack for the long term and hope to reach an agreement this offseason. The sides have had discussions, though Mack’s absence Monday could be an indication that an agreement is not imminent.
McKenzie also has said the process isn’t one he will rush, given the money involved. Last year, the Raiders signed quarterback Derek Carr to his five-year, $125 million extension in late June.
Monday’s session was Gruden’s first chance to address his new players in an organized setting. He told reporters at last month’s owners’ meetings that he would use the first two weeks of the offseason program to emphasize the Raiders’ strength and conditioning program under new coordinator Tom Shaw, while also introducing some concepts of his new schemes.
After the initial twoweek phase, teams can start on-field workouts with individual player instruction and drills in the second phase and organized team practices during the third.
The Raiders have a voluntary veteran minicamp scheduled for April 24-26 and will hold their first OTA workout May 22. Roster moves: The Raiders announced that they re-signed five exclusive-rights free agents: linebackers Shilique Calhoun and James Cowser, safety Erik Harris, guard Denver Kirkland and kicker Giorgio Tavecchio.
The Raiders also waived long snapper Andrew East. Oakland signed former Chicago long snapper Andrew DePaola to a reported four-year contract last month.