McKenzie working to make sure Carr, Mack stay Raiders
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie was recognized this week as the Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America for piecing together a team that went 12-4 this season.
In his subsequent conference call with reporters in the Bay Area, McKenzie said he has turned his attention to locking up franchise cornerstones Derek Carr and Khalil Mack to extensions.
"You try to do the best you can to work the contracts where you can keep as many good players as possible," McKenzie said, Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News writes.
"Those two guys are not only great players, but they're great men and they are true Raiders and I want to make sure we do the best we can to make sure they stay Raiders."
Carr was in the MVP conversation deep into the season despite it being only his third year in the pros. He has one year left on his contract before he's scheduled to hit free agency in 2018.
Mack, also in his third season, is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. His contract also expires after 2017 but he can be retained with a one-year, $13-million extension.
McKenzie doesn't plan on waiting for their current deals to expire.
"The good thing is we do have time, but I'm not the type to wait until the last minute," he said.