The Los Angeles Chargers’ winless start has Adam Schefter looking ahead to a difficult decision involving Khalil Mack. If the losses continue, keeping the veteran pass rusher through the trade deadline could become harder to justify.
Speaking Monday on The Pat McAfee Show, Schefter raised the possibility of moving Mack while emphasizing that the Chargers are not currently looking to trade him.
“The Chargers are 0-4, and Khalil Mack is in the last year of his contract… they are not looking to trade Khalil Mack, but as we get closer to the Nov. 10th trade deadline — if those losses pile up and there is a team that needs a pass rusher, and a team calls them up, why would you not send him somewhere and get something back for him?” Schefter said.
That distinction matters. Schefter outlined a scenario worth considering rather than reporting that Los Angeles has begun shopping one of its defensive leaders.
Mack returned on a one-year, fully guaranteed $18 million contract. At 35, he remains productive, but his expiring deal makes his future a natural consideration if the Chargers fall further out of contention.
An interested contender could offer general manager Joe Hortiz an opportunity to add draft capital or a younger player. A fourth-, fifth- or sixth-round pick represents a possible discussion point.
Trading Mack would still be a significant loss. He set the Chargers’ single-season franchise record with 17 sacks in 2023 and has been a defensive captain throughout his tenure. His production and leadership have made him much more than a rental pass rusher.
But sentiment cannot be the only consideration if this season keeps deteriorating. Mack could help a contender win a playoff game, while the Chargers could acquire something useful for their future.
Los Angeles has time to change the conversation with victories. But it is unlikely. Schefter’s question becomes increasingly reasonable: Why pass up a worthwhile return for an expiring contract when the postseason (and his career) is slipping away?