The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to try to trade veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack this offseason, per Chad Forbes. Should the Chicago Bears try to trade for the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year/Bear?
Former Defensive Player of the Year May Reunite With the Bears
Why The Bears Should Try And Trade For Khalil Mack
Mack is getting up there in age. However, despite being 32 years old, Mack is still one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. He had a six-sack game against the team that drafted him, the Las Vegas Raiders. That alone should show NFL teams that Mack still has a lot left to offer. This season, Mack registered 17 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 74 total tackles as a Charger. From the Chargers standpoint, it does make sense to cut Mack. The move would save them $23 million, and considering Mack’s current cap number is over $38 million next season, it’s time for Mack to switch teams…again.
The Bears need a pass rusher to complement Pro Bowler Montez Sweat. While several top-tier pass rushers are available in Free Agency, many come with a substantial price tag. There’s an expectation that Mack will restructure his contract in the upcoming season. Considering the Bears cap space of 46.88 million dollars and a roster that appears playoff-ready, it seems sensible to explore the possibility of trading for Mack.
In 2022, the Bears traded Mack to the Chargers for a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 sixth-round pick. At that time, the decision to trade Mack aligned with the new General Manager Ryan Poles’ strategy of rebuilding the roster. Conversely, with a roster filled with talent and more expected to join during Free Agency and the 2024 NFL Draft, adding a veteran presence can help solidify the team.
Khalil Mack Loved Playing For The Chicago Bears
Mack played four seasons for the Bears and strongly impacted the team. Trading for Mack was a rejuvenation of energy and excitement for Bears fans. Mack appeared in 53 games for the Bears, registering 163 tackles, 36 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Mack talked about his time as a Chicago Bear during his introductory press conference with the Chargers, stating, “It’s real special to me, especially that first year…Just knowing what that felt like out there, playing with those guys, it was a special time. Special moment in my life, those four years.”
Bring Him Home
Having Mack return to Chicago and retire as a Bear would be extremely special. Given his age and contract, it’ll probably take a day-three pick to trade for Mack. The Bears know firsthand how productive Mack is, and adding another pass rusher is a pressing need for the Bears, so why not give it a shot? The expectations for the Bears next season are high. Signing Mack would give the Bears an extra confidence boost, trying to make those expectations a reality. His veteran presence would be a significant asset to teaching the younger players on the roster, considering the Bears are one of the youngest teams in the NFL. It’s up to Poles if he believes trading for Mack will make the Bears a better team.
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