The New York Jets have not had a game-changing pass rusher since the days of John Abraham. That remains the case in 2018, as New York is prepared to enter the season with an unproven cast outside of Leonard Williams.

Meanwhile, 3,000 miles away, one of the game’s most dominant pass rushers finds himself in a contract dispute that doesn’t figure to end anytime soon. That would be none other than Oakland’s Khalil Mack.

There has been no indication that the 27-year-old is on the trading block, but what if he was? What could the Jets offer Oakland to land the elite edge rusher they’ve been searching for since 2005?

Working in New York’s favor is the fact that it has an abundance of salary cap space heading into next offseason. That would allow the Jets to give Mack the lucrative contract extension he is seeking. However, New York would still have to give up a haul to land him in the first place.

The fact that Mack is threatening to sit out the season instead of playing on his $13.8 million fifth-year rookie option lowers his trade value a bit. If Mack opts to continue to hold out, it would be in the organization’s best interest to get something in return for him before he walks in free agency.

With that being said, Mack is as good as it gets rushing opposing quarterbacks. His value may not be at an all-time high, but it is still up there. A package for Mack would likely feature multiple high draft picks and/or a position player of value, depending on the picks involved. The only such players the Jets have that they’d be willing to part with are running back Bilal Powell and wide receiver Jermaine Kearse.

New York currently controls all of its drafts over the next three years, except for a 2019 second-rounder. That belongs to the Colts.

There’s no reason Maccagnan should not at least place a call to Oakland to figure out if Mack is available. If he is, New York’s front office must ask for permission to talk with Mack’s agents to figure out if he would be interested in re-signing with the Jets. If Mack has no intention of re-signing in New York, Maccagnan and company will have no inclination to make the deal.

If he is, Mack would instantly change the dynamic of New York’s defense. The Jets’ secondary is among the most talented groups in the league; having someone in the quarterback’s face on a consistent basis would make their lives 10 times easier.

New York is getting closer and closer to contention, but the team still has some holes. None are bigger than pass rusher.

Getting Mack would be costly, but it’s the type of splashy move that could expedite Gang Green’s playoff aspirations.