The Khalil Mack sweepstakes are heating up

The longer Khalil Mack holds out, the faster the reports fly.

Jets fans praying for a long-shot deal for the disgruntled Raiders star got a little boost Sunday, with a report that Oakland is open to moving its superstar pass-rusher.

While no trade seems imminent, Pro Football Talk reported a dozen teams have inquired about Mack and four are seriously exploring a move for the Pro Bowler. Oakland reportedly hasn’t ruled out the possibility.

The Jets, who badly need a pass-rusher, could be among the interested in the superstar, with whom Jon Gruden’s Raiders are playing hardball.

The rumors around Mack are getting wilder the longer he is out of camp. 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit reported that Mack was in town to meet with Lions general manager Bob Quinn on Monday — although MLive subsequently rubbished that report.

Any team trading for Mack would not only have to meet the Raiders’ trade demands but open up the vault to pay Mack, who is likely going to command franchise-quarterback money. The Jets are one of the few teams with the kind of salary-cap space to do that without crippling their team.

With the Rams’ Aaron Donald on the verge of a record-setting deal, possibly as much as $22 million annually, Mack could want in that area — and the 27-year-old seems willing to hold out to get it. After making three Pro Bowls since 2014, being named All-Pro twice and winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2016, he might well be worth that kind of investment.

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