All of the teams want to lift the Lombardi Trophy in 2024, but the route to that accomplishment will vary slightly for each group. For example, the Los Angeles Chargers need to cut some of their older players since they are well over the pay cap. The Detroit Lions, on the other hand, must strengthen their essentially nonexistent pass rush and have unlimited resources. The combination of these two requirements can result in a deal for Khalil Mack.
That is, at least, the suggestion made lately by Brad Speilberger of Pro Football Focus. The NFL expert proposed in his most recent piece that the Chargers trade Khalil Mack to the Lions in order to clear salary and acquire an additional 2025 fourth-round pick.
“Like with DeAndre Hopkins last offseason, this will be a difficult needle to thread, with the Arizona Cardinals needing to finally just release the seasoned wide receiver despite other clubs obviously wanting his services.Even for a 33-year-old edge defender who just finished as successful a season as Mack’s in 2023, Mack’s 2024 pay is outrageous.
Proposed Blockbuster Khalil Mack Trade: Would the Chargers and Lions Carry Out This Transaction?
When a trade like this occurs, a contender typically acquires a star veteran from a team that is set to embark on a protracted rebuild. The Chargers most likely aren’t rebuilding, even though the Lions are a strong challenger. Despite having a 5-12 record at the end of the season, the squad still has Justin Herbert and a seasoned head coach in Jim Harbaugh. If at all possible, this team will not trade Khalil Mack in order to achieve their goal of winning now.
Regretfully, it may be beyond their control. Even though Corey Linsley’s restructuring will benefit the organization, Los Angeles is well above the salary cap and still needs to make a few important decisions. Khalil Mack has a $38.5 million cap hit right now, but if the Chargers trade him, that amount reduces to $15.26 million. Los Angeles may determine that he isn’t worth the cap space because he is in the final year of his deal.
In the meanwhile, the Lions have the financial wherewithal to quickly acquire Khalil Mack through trade. With more over $48.12 million in cap space at present, the organization can afford to sign Mack to a big contract. Detroit ought to be all in on making it to the greatest stage of the game at last, having gone THIS close to doing so. Mack and Aidan Hutchinson together form one of the best duos in the game, therefore they can assist the Lions achieve this aim.
How To Prevent A Trade In Khalil Mack
The money will be the main problem in this situation in the end. The Chargers must face their current financial situation even though they won’t want to trade Khalil Mack. Ultimately, if necessary, the Chargers will let go of their costly veteran, but there are alternative ways to free up salary money.
Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, two wide receivers, have salary hits of $32.46 million and $34.7 million, respectively, while Joey Bosa, another edge rusher, has a cap hit of $36.6 million. Bosa’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, while Williams and Allen are approaching the last years of their agreements.
The Chargers should release Mike Williams in order to free up $20 million in cap space and prevent a Khalil Mack trade. Given that the former first-round pick is approaching 30 and plays with a violent style that encourages contact, Los Angeles will likely let the veteran go. Despite Allen’s own injury history, he is too valuable to lose. By extending him, the Chargers may avoid spending more than $17.5 million.
The Chargers should be able to avoid trading for Khalil Mack just on this alone, but if they need more time, they can always rework Bosa’s contract. Los Angeles could save up to $10.39 million by taking this action, according to OverTheCap.
The Chargers could, of course, decide to keep Khalil Mack instead of trading him for another season. Even though there might be problems later, this would free up $17.63 million in cap space.
The Chargers most likely could use a mix of these to free up the cap space needed to keep Khalil Mack in the team. Nonetheless, Spielberger’s suggestion makes sense for all parties involved if money becomes a factor.
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