Raiders QB Derek Carr reacts to the stunning Khalil Mack trade

We’ve seen it with the young general manager in the past.

Khalil Mack might not be going anywhere, but Friday night seemed to be dedicated to reports that Jon Gruden wants to send his best player to another team. The Raiders will acquire at least two first-round picks in a trade that is not yet official, according to NFL Network.

Granted, quarterbacks cost more, but Mack has already proven he can have every bit as big an impact on a team as Goff and Wentz did a year ago.

The Bears were well-positioned to land Mack due to their salary cap situation surrounding Trubisky’s rookie contract and flexibility elsewhere on the roster.

Mack is a well-rounded pass rusher known for a variety of moves and his ability to convert speed to power. The 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Mack has been to the Pro Bowl over the last three seasons, and at only 27-years old, is in the middle of his prime. Acquiring Khalil Mack at 27, in the prime of his career – 40.5 sacks in four National Football League seasons, including 36.5 in his last three seasons – gives the Bears an even better chance for an even bigger payoff.

“They need to pay (him)”, Raiders defensive end Bruce Irvin said on Live Instagram on Mack’s account on Saturday. That optimism was based on the idea that Gruden would be able to use his offensive acumen and intensity to get quarterback Derek Carr back on track. They also keep their key draft capital as they continue rebuilding their roster. The linebacker position is a true strength now on paper and that takes pressure off of everyone, including the cornerbacks and safeties on the backend. But again to get dominant talent, you have to give up a lot typically. In 2017, the Bears’ defensive unit finished the year ranked 10 in total defense, 11 versus the run, and seventh defending the pass. But Mitch Trubisky is entering his second year.

It’s one of the biggest blockbuster trades in league history. Both players are paid handsomely and it’s likely because of Donald that Mack got as much as he did following a trade from the Raiders.

This all came to fruition after the Los Angeles Rams recently rewarded defensive lineman Aaron Donald with a six-year, $135-million deal, a record-breaking contract for a defensive player. Mack has been a holdout throughout training camp and has racked up the fines while not reporting.

Final cuts expire at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT today.

This is a critical move for the Denver Broncos, make no mistake about it.