Chargers Strike Gold with Khalil Mack Trade
The Los Angeles Chargers have historically been a franchise that shies away from making splashy trades. However, in the spring of 2022, they took a calculated risk, acquiring one of the premier pass-rushers of the last decade, Khalil Mack. The true impact of trades can take time to surface, and while some yield immediate benefits, others may falter as seasons progress.
Trade Overview and Initial Reactions
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently dissected several trades from recent NFL seasons, spotlighting the Chargers’ deal with the Chicago Bears that brought Mack to Los Angeles. At present, Mack is sidelined due to a dislocated elbow sustained in Week 2, yet Barnwell views this trade as a clear victory for the Chargers. The deal involved Los Angeles sending a second-round pick in 2022 and a sixth-round pick in 2023 to Chicago in exchange for Mack.
In a twist, Bears general manager Ryan Poles subsequently traded a portion of this deal back to the Chargers for additional selections. The complete trade breakdown is as follows:
Chargers receive: Edge rusher Khalil Mack
Bears receive: Safety Jaquan Brisker, safety Elijah Hicks, punter Trenton Gill
Analysis of the Trade
Barnwell’s analysis highlights the context surrounding the trade. The Bears, in a retooling phase under new management, sought to clear cap space. Mack was approaching his age-31 season, carrying a hefty contract of $17.8 million for 2022. Concerns lingered due to his limited participation in the previous season, where a foot injury sidelined him for seven games. Meanwhile, the Chargers were in search of a complementary pass rusher to star Joey Bosa and opted for Mack over Uchenna Nwosu, who departed for the Seattle Seahawks.
The results speak volumes. Mack rebounded impressively, earning Pro Bowl selections in three consecutive seasons. In 2023, he registered a remarkable 17 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, garnering attention in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Despite his current elbow injury, Mack’s first three years with the Chargers saw him miss only one game, showcasing his resilience and productivity.
The Bears utilized their second-round pick to select Brisker, who has shown promise but struggled with concussions, missing 16 games in his first three years. The sixth-round pick was traded back to the Chargers, who used it to draft H-back Scott Matlock. Meanwhile, the Bears acquired depth with Hicks and their punter Gill through this trade.
Impact on the Bears and Future Considerations
Poles has faced challenges in replacing Mack’s formidable presence on the Bears’ defensive front. In a bid to bolster their pass rush, Chicago traded a second-round pick to the Washington Commanders for Montez Sweat, subsequently signing him to a hefty contract. However, the Bears still rank 28th in pressure rate this season, indicating that the absence of Mack is keenly felt. The situation raises questions about whether holding onto Mack would have been the wiser choice.
Mack’s Leadership in Los Angeles
Beyond statistics, Mack’s leadership has made a substantial impact on the Chargers’ defense. Following the offseason decision to part ways with Joey Bosa, the franchise prioritized re-signing Mack. His elbow injury initially cast doubt on his availability, but signs indicate he could return soon, poised to add to his impressive total of 32 sacks since joining the Chargers.
As the season unfolds, the Chargers seem well-positioned to continue reaping the rewards of this trade, with Mack at the forefront of their defensive ambitions.
