Reggie McKenzie on Khalil Mack Contract: We Want Him to Be a 'Raider for Life'

Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie reiterated on Wednesday that the team and defensive superstar Khalil Mack continue to discuss a long-term contract extension.

McKenzie told Steve Wyche of NFL.com: 

"This is going to be a big contract and all sides are trying to make everything work. It's about the end result. One thing I know is that we love Khalil Mack and we want to make him a Raider for life. We'll get through all the other stuff. We understand the business part of it. Everybody is aware of everything and nobody is surprised. Everything, on all sides has been positive. I can't stress that enough."

McKenzie acknowledged the possibility that Mack may not report to any team activities until an extension is finalized. Mack already skipped the team's voluntary spring workout program earlier this week, with the team continuing strength and fitness training Thursday.

"Sure we'd love for him to be here," McKenzie said. "He's just such a positive force in the building."

As for the contract talks themselves, however, it's hard to say just how far they've progressed. Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Monday that the Raiders "hoped to move quickly" in those talks but that "early talks weren't close."

And Wyche added that Mack, 27, was seeking a blockbuster deal:

Mack will make $13.8 million in the final year of his rookie contract this season, per Spotrac.

Given his talent and impact on the defensive side of the ball, it wouldn't be surprising if he tried to land a deal in the range of the six-year, $114.5 million contract that Denver Broncos edge-rusher Von Miller signed in 2016, which included a whopping $70 million in guaranteed money.

Mack is worth that level of money. He's been voted to three Pro Bowls, is a two-time first-team All-Pro and was named the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year. He's coming off a season that saw him register 78 tackles, 10.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. In the past three seasons, he's posted 36.5 sacks.

Outside of perhaps only Derek Carr, Mack is the Raiders' most important player. Soon enough, he'll be paid like it.