Then I submit this to you guys: why wouldn't you just wait for top positional player to hit the free agent market and then set the market with him? If theoretically a player like Mack is a free agent, he's going to get close to the same money and be the highest paid DE/OLB in the NFL. It seems like this is just double dipping what you're giving up. You're paying free agent money to Mack, and on top of that, you're giving up two first round picks for the exclusive right to play free agent money to Mack.
To me, it seems like keeping those picks and using the $20+ on free agents is a wiser decision. I understand he's a great player, but I completely disagree he's a once-in-a-generation guy. He's really, really good, but there are about 10 incredible defenders who is isn't a full class ahead of (JJ Watt, Von Miller, Aaron Donald, Fletcher Cox, Joey Bosa, Luke Kuechly, Calais Campbell, Bobby Wagner.) Mack was voted the 16th best in the NFL by his peers last year; that's not a generational talent. Prime Watt and prime Revis are the only players in the last 10 years who fit that description.
I'd personally rather have Gilmore, an extra $7M, and an extra two first round picks, than Mack. Is there anyone out there who disagrees with that?