Who knows how it'll all work out. All I know is that if I were a new coach taking over this franchise, and I had the best defensive player in the league and a promising QB - I would've made more than one phone call. I would've shown up at his doorstep, every morning, with donuts and coffee.
Mack is a difference maker. There aren't many difference makers in the league, on defense especially. You do everything within your power to give your team an advantage going into the season. If it means making more than one phone call and reaching out - that's what you do as a head coach. That's part of the job.
Gruden said last week that this wasn't his call... and I call BS. The owner is paying you $10m/year to get this team turned around.
We'll see how things unfold, but Chucky hasn't begun his tenure at Oakland on the highest note.