The Chargers lost to the Seahawks on Sunday. As a result, the Bolts now sit at 0-4 on the year, and a seller’s approach at the trade deadline could receive consideration.
If that is to be the case, a few veterans could become the subject of trade calls. In particular, edge rusher Khalil Mack would be one to watch in such a scenario. ESPN’s Dan Graziano writes a turnaround on the part of the Chargers would result in Mack finishing out the season with Los Angeles. A winless record will no doubt lead to interest from contenders, though. Prior to today’s game, Graziano’s colleague Adam Schefter named Mack as a potential trade candidate (video link) based largely on Los Angeles’ poor start to the year.
Mack gave thought to retirement this past offseason. Instead of hanging up his cleats, however, the 35-year-old worked out another one-year Bolts contract. This time around, team and player agreed to $18MM in fully guaranteed compensation. $10MM of that figure was paid out as a signing bonus, meaning an acquiring team would only be responsible for the prorated remainder of his $8MM base salary.
After being held without a sack during the season opener, Mack has recorded one in each of the past three games. The nine-time Pro Bowler would represent an intriguing addition for buyers seeking help along the edge, and one capable of handling at least a notable depth role. Mack has remained a full-time starter during the early stages of his 13th NFL campaign.
The Chargers swung an in-season trade for Odafe Oweh last year, but he departed in free agency. The team responded by selecting Akheem Mesidor in the first round of the draft after retaining Mack on a one-year deal. Tuli Tuipulotu is set to see his rookie contract expire after the year, and offseason extension talks did not produce an agreement. Managing to keep Tuipulotu in the fold for 2027 and beyond will doubt remain a team priority moving forward, though.
November 10 represents this year’s NFL trade deadline. Plenty of time remains for a rebound from the Chargers sufficient for general manager Joe Hortiz, head coach Jim Harbaugh and Co. to turn aside Mack trade calls as a result. Still, it will be interesting to see if consideration is given to a move in this case over the coming weeks.
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