The Philadelphia Eagles should pursue a Khalil Mack trade before the NFL trade deadline, but Howie Roseman needs a price that reflects the veteran’s remaining value. A 2027 fourth-round pick offers the right balance for a team trying to rescue its season without sacrificing its future.

The Los Angeles Chargers have a different calculation. At 0-5, they sit at the bottom of the AFC West, where the Kansas City Chiefs lead at 4-0. The Eagles, despite three consecutive losses and a 2-3 record, remain within reach of the NFC East-leading New York Giants at 3-1-1.

The Eagles’ and Chargers’ contrasting divisional races create a logical starting point for negotiations ahead of the November 10 deadline.

Eagles’ ideal Khalil Mack trade package

The proposed deal is straightforward. The Eagles receive Mack, and the Chargers receive Philadelphia’s own 2027 fourth-round pick.

The Eagles still control that selection. The Eagles’ original 2027 third-rounder went to the Minnesota Vikings in the Jonathan Greenard trade, making a fourth a cleaner option than building an offer around a projected compensatory selection that has not been awarded.

A fourth-rounder also respects Mack’s age and contract. He is 35 and playing on a one-year, $18 million deal. For the Eagles, his three sacks through five games show he can still contribute, but the Eagles would acquire a rental rather than a long-term defensive cornerstone.

Philadelphia should keep its first- and second-round picks and avoid including a young starter. The Chargers would receive meaningful draft capital without requiring the Eagles to weaken another position to improve the pass rush.

The financial structure matters for Philadelphia, too. They would assume Mack’s remaining base salary unless the teams negotiate a salary adjustment. Los Angeles would retain the cap charges associated with his already-paid signing bonus. The Eagles should evaluate that remaining cost alongside their other deadline needs.

An extension should remain optional. The Eagles can revisit another season if Mack fits and wants to continue playing, but the proposed price should stand on his potential contribution in 2026.

Why a Khalil Mack trade works for both teams

The Eagles have recorded just six sacks through five games. Greenard missed the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars with an ankle injury, while Jalyx Hunt suffered ankle and knee injuries and is not expected to play in Week 6.

Mack would give defensive coordinator Vic Fangio another experienced edge defender and reduce the pressure on the remaining rotation. Their shared experience with the Chicago Bears in 2018 adds familiarity, although Philadelphia should judge Mack on his current ability rather than his past reputation.

The Eagles need someone who can help finish possessions. Their latest defeat illustrated how narrow the margins have become. Jake Elliott gave them a late lead in London, but Jacksonville answered with Cam Little’s 57-yard field goal for a 19-17 victory.

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Mack cannot repair an offense that managed 22 rushing yards in that game. The Eagles still need healthier personnel and better execution. That limitation makes the fourth-round ceiling essential. Philadelphia can strengthen one weakness while retaining resources to address others.

For the Chargers, the argument centers on timing. Their 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos left them winless heading into a road matchup with Kansas City. Los Angeles has scored 84 points and allowed 129, and its offensive line injuries have complicated Justin Herbert’s job.

For the Chargers, keeping Mack preserves a productive veteran, but the L.A. must weigh that benefit against acquiring an additional pick for next spring. For Los Angeles, a trade would guarantee draft compensation rather than relying on a possible future compensatory award, which depends on qualifying free-agent activity.

The Chargers should reassess their position as the deadline approaches. If they remain buried in the division, exchanging an expiring contract for a fourth-rounder makes sense.

For the Eagles, that same deal represents a measured attempt to stay competitive in a more accessible division. Mack would address an immediate need at a price both teams could reasonably defend.