Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers are 0-7 headed toward November 8’s game against the Houston Texans, with trade rumors swirling about star linebacker Khalil Mack and edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu. Mack has three tackles and three sacks this season on a team that has many issues, which were spoken about by offensive tackle Joe Alt.
Coach Jim Harbaugh spoke about the mood surrounding the team, himself, and Mack heading toward November 10’s 4 p.m. deadline, and made it clear that the star linebacker wants to remain a Charger.
“I want Khalil Mack here, Khalil Mack, wants to be here, he’s one of the pillars of our team,” Harbaugh said.
Mack hasn’t been his usual dominant self since 2023, when he recorded 17 sacks in 17 games with the Chargers. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter left for Chicago and the Chargers’ defense hasn’t been anything to write home about so far this season. Mack is now 35 years old and could command a nice return on the trade market for a Chargers team that could stand to shuffle a few pieces around heading into the 2027-28 season.
While it’s obvious that Harbaugh wants to keep Mack around, the trade market could foil his plans, if general manager Joe Hortiz decides to move on from the edge rusher.
The Chargers are still navigating their way through a nightmare season that virtually nobody expected, and it could get worse before it gets better. Quarterback Justin Herbert remains the starter, which Harbaugh adamantly defended recently, but things show little sign of changing as the Chargers attempt to gain their footing in a competitive AFC West.
Week 9 at home against the Texans could lead to loss number eight in a row, but Harbaugh, Mack and Herbert won’t go quietly into the night. Mack should remain in Los Angeles, but there is still a chance that he could find himself packing his bags by the time the trade deadline comes to a close.
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