A winless start in Los Angeles could lead to Khalil Mack returning to the city where he became a fan favorite.
According to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, some around the league believe a trade that would send the 35-year-old edge rusher from the Los Angeles Chargers to the Chicago Bears would be best for both clubs.
Jones warned it was too early to link players to specific destinations, but he singled out this pairing.
“But multiple league sources tell me that if both teams continue on their respective trajectories, Khalil Mack heading to Chicago makes the most sense,” Jones wrote.
A general manager and an assistant general manager working for different teams put Mack’s value at a fifth-round pick. The Chargers, for their part, have not expressed interest in moving anyone.
The Chargers are currently 0-4 and chasing the 1992 San Diego Chargers, the only team to start that way and still make the playoffs.
Los Angeles has paid Mack $10 million upfront, leaving the acquiring team with less than $4 million to pay in the remaining time.
Jason La Canfora heard another NFL executive put it bluntly: “I think he’s gone.”
Mack, who has three sacks in four games, has said he has thought about retirement before. A Super Bowl ring is the one thing missing from his resume in what could be his final season.
The Bears acquired him from the Raiders in 2018 and had him for four seasons before trading him to Los Angeles while rebuilding and collecting draft picks. Mack had wanted to stay and called the deal “bittersweet.”
Speaking on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast last month, Mack said, “Looking back, you realize how important those moments were,” later calling that time “a special time.”
Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker and Montez Sweat have recorded seven of Chicago’s 10 sacks in four games.
Odeyingbo played most of his snaps inside, though, which allowed for less edge rotation than the sack total would suggest.
The trade must be completed by Nov. 10, giving the Bears a month to decide whether a fifth-round pick is fair for a 35-year-old who is already familiar with the building.